March 2, 1884.

LESSON IX.

22.

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT.
PAUL AT ATHENS. ACTS 17: 22-24.
Commit to memory verses 29-31.

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars-hill, and said, le men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

23. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UN KNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

24. God that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

25. Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

26. And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

27. That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

28. For in him we live, and move, and have our

being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

29. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained: whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

32. And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

33. So Paul departed from among them.

34. Howbeit, certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

1. THE GOSPEL VERSUS FALSE PHILOSOPHY.
2. THE TRUE GOD VERSUS IDOLS.

3. THE CALL TO REPENTANCE.

GOLDEN TEXT: In Him we live, and move, and have our being. V. 28.
INSTRUCTION.

nothing-but is the Giver of all good. 26. (6) Made
of one blood-the Creator of mankind, also. The unity
of the race is asserted. (7) Determined the times-
God's Providence and Government are here affirmed.
27. Should seek the Lord: (8) Men's duty is thus set
forth; to seek God, and not worship idols. (9) God's
nearness to men is expressed by not far from us.
28. Our dependence on Him is set forth in v. 28. Your
own poets-he now appeals to Aratus, one of their
own poets. So said also Cleanthus, and several
other poets. 29. A denunciation of image-making;
see 2d Commandment. 30. Winked at-overlooked,
passed by without punishing. But now repentance is
demanded. 31. Christ is to judge the world. As-
surance-the resurrection is God's evidence in favor of
Christ's Judgeship.

Read carefully vs. 15 to 21. PLACE: Athens, capital of Greece; the most famous city in the world for poetry, philosophy and art. Paul's "spirit was stirred when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry." 22. Mars' Hill-the seat of justice, where sat the Supreme Court of Athens. Too superstitious-very careful about religion; full of reverence for the gods, so-called. 23. Your devotions-your sacred objects, altars, images, &c., more than 30,000 of them, it has been said. The Unknown-a confession of ignorance of the true God. Ignorantly-without knowing His name, character or will. Him declare I-this is the mission of the preacher. 24-25. God that made(1) the Creator. (2) Lord-Ruler. (3) Dwelleth not in temples-is incomprehensible and omnipresent. (4) Neither is worshipped, &c.-but in spirit. (5) Needs QUESTIONS.

Have you read Acts 17: 15 to 21? In what city do we find the Apostle now? Tell what you know about it. Tell how Paul was affected by seeing the city given to idolatry. 22. How did Paul come to stand on Mars' Hill? See v. 19. Where was it? What was held there? How did he begin his address? What is meant by superstitious? Had it a bad meaning originally?

23. What reason did he give for his remark? What is meant by devotions? Were there many such objects in Athens? What inscription was upon a certain altar? Of what was that a confession? Do the heathen know God? How did they worship Him? What is the preacher to declare?

24. Was the world eternal? (No). Did it make itself? Did it come by chance? Who made it? What do we call God in the first part of the Creed? (Maker, &c). What is He still? Where does He dwell?

25. How is He rightly worshipped? Does He need sacrifices of fruit and animals? Who gives life, and all things?

26. What does he next affirm? Who created man? Do all men come from one earthly father? Who was he? What is meant by determining times and bounds?

27. What is man's duty? Is it possible to find Him? (Yes). Is He near, or far away?

28. How do we live? From Whom did we receive life? Did He give, and does He continue, our power of movement? For what Greek poets who taught the same. are we dependent on God? Mention some

29. What is forbidden in the 2d command? What ought we not even to think? 30. What is it to wink at a thing? What does God command?

31. Why repent?

How will He judge? By Whom? What assurance of this is given?

32. What effect did the preaching of the resurrection produce? Tell what division took place. What did the latter class say? 33. What did Paul do? Did the Athenians miss their opportunity?

CATECHISM.

Ques. 109. Doth God forbid, in this command, only adultery, and such like gross sins?

Ans. Since both our body and soul are temples of the Holy Ghost, He commands us to preserve them pure and holy; therefore He forbids all unchaste actions, gestures, words, thoughts, desires, and whatever can entice men thereto.

LESSON IX.

March 2, 1884. cultured audience ever addressed by Athens, the capital of Attica, in him. In that city art and philosophy Greece, was named from Athena, the had reached their perfection—a_pergoddess Minerva, and was founded by fection never since surpassed. There Cecrops about 1556 B. C. It was in its the gospel now came into conflict with greatest glory about 400 B. C., and classical culture, philosophy and a cold, contained about 150,000 inhabitants; sneering skepticism. We shall see that of whom by far the larger part were part of the audience mocked and part slaves. procrastinated, saying: we will hear thee again! But they never had that privilege.

Here we have also an instance of an interrupted sermon.

In this city four schools of Philosophy had their headquarters: 1. The Peripatetics, (followers of Aristotle), 2. The Academicians (disciples of Plato), 3. The Epicureans (followers of Epicu- Preaching to a people who knew rus), 4. The Stoics (disciples of Zeno). nothing of the Old Testament, Paul Paul came into no conflict with the could not take a text from the ScripAristotelian or Platonic philosophy. tures. But he found a text at hand; These two systems of thought continue the inscription on one of their altars to influence the world to this day. was: "to the unknown God." And in Against the Epicureans and Stoics the course of his sermon he quotes a Paul's address was aimed. The Epicu- passage from their own literature. rians were atheists and materialists, be-"For we are his offspring." lieving that the world was the result of Thus he met the cultured heathen on Chance-"a fortuitous concourse of their own ground. atoms."

The Stoies were pantheists, believing that the universe is god; that there is no god but the combined forces and laws which are manifested in the existing universe.

His place of standing was the seat of Justice, where criminals were tried, convicted and sentenced to suffer the penalty of Justice. There he tells of the Great Judgment! And he calls on his hearers to repent that they might escape.

But he does not begin with the judgment. He lays a foundation first, by telling them of the Creator, Ruler and Governor of the world. Let us first analyze his sermon, and then come to the application.

Neither of them believed in a future life, the immortality of the soul, nor in a personal moral Governor and Judge. So far they were agreed. But their moral (ethical) systems were utterly opposite. "The highest aim of the Epicurean was to gratify himself: the philosophy of Pleasure. The Stoics, on the Here Paul came into conflict not other hand, considered the great end of only with heathen religion, but also man to be the attainment of a lofty with Philosophy, or human wisdom at superiority to both pleasure and pain, its best. With Epicureans and Stoics and of a stern indifference both to the he disputed, as he had hitherto with cravings of self and the feelings of Jewish legalists. At length he was others." brought to Mars' Hill, where sat the The Epicurean said: eat, drink and Supreme Court of Athens: and there be merry; for to-morrow we die; and he had the privilege of preaching the are then dead forever. The Stoics be-gospel. lieved that at death man returned to "The Greek religion was a mere the original material of creation, as a deification of drop of water becomes absorbed in the the powers of

ocean.

of

human attributes and Nature." Nature and man were in reality the objects worship. Under outward forms of beauty the most shameless sins were practiced in the name of religion!

It was the mission of Paul not only to preach to Jews, who had the Old Testament Scriptures, but especially to the heathen, who were people sitting in 22. Paul stood in the midst of Mars' gross darkness. In some places he found Hill. No place in Athens was so suitthese in a state of ignorance and degra- able for a discourse upon the mysteries dation. But in Athens he met the most of religion as Mars' Hill; and Paul

was able, by his previous training, to
meet these philosophers on their own
ground.
Of course a mere outline of
all that he said is given in our lesson.
1. Ye men of Athens, &c. Your
altars to unknown gods prove, first,
your desire to worship, aud secondly,
your ignorance in worshipping. He
did not denounce them as superstitious,
in the sense in which we now use that
word. Very careful in religion, very
devoted After erecting altars to every
known deity, so-called, they had mis-
givings lest some god were slighted;
and they erected an altar to the un
known God. On this confession of igno-
rance Paul seized, and then preached
the true and living God.

2. God that made the World. In contrast with their idols, made by men's hands, and placed in temples, God is the Creator of the World; he is also and continues to be its Ruler and Governor, (Lord); and is so great that He fills heaven and earth, and dwelleth not merely in temples.

3. God does not need anything from men's hands-such as sacrifices. On the contrary He is the Giver of all life, &c.

All paths we tread, and all the marts of men,
Filled, too, the sea, and every creek and bay;
And all, in all things, need we help of Zeus,
For we, too, are His offspring."—Aratus.

Cleanthes sang in the same strain :
"Most glorious of immortals, many-named,
Almighty and forever, Thee, O Zeus,
Sovereign o'er nature, guiding with Thy hand
All things that are, we greet with praises,
Thee 'tis meet that mortals call with one
For we Thine offspring are, and we alone
Of all that live and move upon this earth,
Receive the gift of imitative speech."

accord.

7. We ought not to think that the Godhead is like to gold, &c. Thus Paul denounces idolatry. No graven image of God is to be made; for He is a Spirit.

8. The times of this ignorance God winked at; He mercifully overlooked their errors. But now demands that men give up their follies, and repent; for a great judgment is to be executed; and it will be done in righteousness.

9. And the greatest and best announcement is then made. He preached to them Christ, the Man whom God hath ordained to be Judge of all men. Doubtless he told of His life and death, and proclaimed Him as the Saviour; for His resurrection from the dead was given as the assurance, evidence, or proof of His Messiahship and Judgeship.

4. He hath made of one blood, &c.; is the Creator of all mankind; and, besides, all men are brothers, springing from one source, (made of one blood). Over the human family, divided into so When they heard of the resurrection, many branches, God has been exercis- some mocked. Paul was here suddenly ing Providential care-determining their interrupted. Some broke out into times and bounds, v. 26. laughter and derision. Others, not 5. They should seek the Lord, and liking to come to an immediate decifind Him. Man was made capable of sion, said: we will hear thee again of knowing God, and ought not to have fallen into the follies of idolatry. They should seek God; for He is near to all His creatures.

6. In Him we live, and move, and

ence upon

this matter.

Paul departed from them. But some
Vs. 33-34. Delays are dangerous.

fruits there were. Certain men clave unto

him, and believed. Two believers are exist. Man's union with and depend- mentioned by name. Dionysius was God are next affirmed. By probably one of the judges. Damaris Him we first came into being, received was, doubtless, a distinguished woman life. In Him we still continue to have in the city, and her name was deemed that life. He shows that some of their worthy of being recorded as a believer own countrymen knew this great truth. "For we are also His offspring."

The quotation is from Aratus, probably of Tarsus, Paul's native place.

"From Zeus begin we; never let us leave
His name unloved. With Him, with Zeus,

are filled

in Christ.

It is in Athens that unassisted of culture and religion; and there the human nature attained its highest point gospel message was the same as to the most degraded people: repent, prepare for judgment. Christ will judge in righteousness. Flee to Him for refuge.

LESSON X.

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT.
PAUL AT CORINTH.-ACTS 18: 1-17.
Commit to memory verses 9-11.

1. After these things, Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

2. And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome) and came unto them. 3. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought, (for by their occupation they were tent-makers.)

4. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

5. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews, that Jesus was Christ.

6. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads: I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

7. And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

8. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house: and many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were bap tized.

March 9, 1884.

9. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

10. For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee, to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

11. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12. And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment-seat,

13. Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

14. And when Paul was now about to open his mouth. Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong, or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

15. But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it: for I will be no judge of such matters.

16. And he drave them from the judgment seat. 17. Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment-seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

1. To Jews first, then to Gentiles. 1-8.
2. The Laborer Encouraged. 9-11.

3. An Indifferent Ruler. 12-17.

GOLDEN TEXT: I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee, to hurt thee; for I
have much people in this city.
INSTRUCTION.

1. Corinth was the capital of Achaia, and was one very close to. 8. Crispus, another convert, of great
of the most populous and wealthy cities of Greece: influence, because formerly ruler of the Synagogue.
and equally luxurious and dissolute-"the Paris of All is house-another instance of household religion.
antiquity." 2. Aquila and Priscilla, Jews, originally 9-10. Then spake the Lord-Jesus gave Paul comfort
from Pontus, but lately from Italy. Claudius, Ro- and directions. I have much people-many will be
man emperor from A. D. 41 to 54, expelled all come My disciples. 11. A longer ministry than
Jews from Rome. 3. Craft trade, occupation. Paul usually devoted to one place. Gellio, brother
Wrought-labored for a living. Pent-makers of philosopher Seneca, a mild and amiable ruler.
made tents of skin or cloth. It was neither im- Achaia usually signified all of Greece, but later meant
proper nor a disgrace for Paul to work. 5. Pressed only that province, of which Corinth was the capital.
in spirit-borne away by an unusual impulse, deeply 14. Lewdness, a gross offence. 15. Words and names;
impressed. 6. They blasphe med-spoke with con- he would not concern himself about Jewish matters.
tempt of Jesus. Unto the Gentiles-he is calle t "the 17. Sosthenes afterwards became a Christian. (See
Apostle of the Gentiles." 7, Justus-a Greek who 1 Cor. 1: 1-2).
embraced the Christian religion. Joined hard-was
QUESTIONS.
1. What can you tell about Corinth? Who
now came to preach there?

2. Whom did he meet there? Tell about him and his wife. Why did they come from Italy? Who was Claudius?

3. At what trade did these three newlymade friends work? Was it improper for the Apostle to work for his own support? What was his trade? Did his companions become believers in Christ?

4. How did Paul spend his Sabbaths in the

city?

5. What helpers arrived? How was Paul affected? What testimony did he bear so earnestly?

6. Did the Jews accept Jesus as Messiah? What act did Paul perform? What words did he speak? To whom did he then turn? What is his title?

7. Into whose house did he next go? Was he a believer? Near what place was this? 8. Who was the next convert? Did many follow his example? Were any members of the family excluded from baptism?

9-10. What occurred on a certain night? What did the Lord say Paul should not do? What should he do? What comforting assurance did He give? What reason did the Lord give for continued preaching?

11. How long did Paul remain in Corinth? Was this longer than usual?

12. Who was deputy? Tell about his disposition, etc. What did the Jews do at that time?

13. What charge did they bring against Paul? Was it true? (No).

14-16. Who prevented Paul from making his defense? Did Gallio think a defense unnecessary? What did he say to the Jews? Did he concern himself about either the Jewish or the Christian faith?

17. What was done to Sosthenes? What did he afterwards become? Did Gallio protect Sosthenes from the mob? Should he not have done so ? Is indifference to earnest matters a credit to any man? CATECHISM.

Ques. 110. What doth God forbid in the eighth command? Ans God forbids not only those thefts and robberies which are punishable by the magistrate, but He comprehends under the name of theft, all wicked tricks and devices, whereby we design to appropriate to ourselves the goods which belong to our neighbor; whether it be by force, or under the appearance of right, as by unjust weights, ells, measures, fraudulent merchandise, false coins, usury, or by any other way forbidden by God; as also all covetousness, all waste and abuse of His gifts.

March 9, 1884. nothing of its greatest men!"-FarAfter these things Paul departed. He rar. left Athens, not because of persecution, But even in dissolute Corinth, as we but on account of the indifference and shall see, the Gospel was to be eminentskepticism of its inhabitants. His teach-ly successful in rescuing the people from lives of shame and sin

Corinth was inhabited by a mixed population. It was very wealthy, lux-itual matters. Through his conversaurious, effeminate and dissolute. "It was the Paris of the ancient world, devoted to pleasure, and so notorious for profligacy that to Corinthianize was a current term for the practice of licentious