SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY. LESSON VI. Christ and His Disciple.-MARK 3: 6-19. 6. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. 7. But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea; and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judea, 8. And from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him. 9. And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. 10. For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. 11. And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. February 5, 1882. 12. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known. 13. And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. 14. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15. And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils : 16. And Simon he surnamed Peter; 17. And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder; 18. And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus, and Simon the Canaanite, 19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into a house. 1. CONSPIRACY AGAINST CHRIST. Vs. 7-8. 2. PREACHING FROM A SHIP, AND HEALING THE SICK. Vs.9-12. 3. APPOINTING APOSTLES. Vs. 13-19. CENTRAL TRUTH. "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed."-John 8: 31. GOLDEN TEXT. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye might go and bring forth fruit."-John 15: 16. INSTRUCTION. Verse 6. The Pharisees-the strict religious party. Herodians-the favorites and flatterers of King Herod-the politicians. 7-8. Galilee-the northern division of Palestine. Tyre and Sidon-heathen countries still farther north, on the Mediterranean Sea. Judeathe southern portion of the Holy Land. Jerusalem-its capital. Idumea-the ancient Edom, south-east of Palestine. Beyond Jordan-east of that river. These countries define the circle of Jesus' influence. 9. The ship is a type of the Church, in which Jesus is ever the chief Teacher of the multitudes. 10-12. Only a touch or a word was needed to heal any sickness. What a good Physician is Jesus! 13-19. All learners are disciples. Apostles-those sent forth to preach. Name them. CATECHISM. Ques. 6. Did God then create man SO wicked and perverse? ness and true holiness, that he might rightly know God his Creator, heartily love Him, and live with Him in eternal happiness, to Ans. By no means, but God created man good, and after His own image, in righteous-glorify Him, and praise Him. QUESTIONS. Verse 6. Why did the Pharisees wish to destroy Jesus? Who were the Herodians? Is such a union between a religious and a political party right? 7-8. Whither did Jesus now go? Did He withdraw on account of fear? From what countries did the great multitudes come? Why did they come? 9-11. Into what did Jesus enter? what is the ship a type? ple press upon Him? unclean spirits confess Of What did the 12. Was Jesus pleased with such witnesses? 13-15. Where did Jesus next go, to escape the crowds? How did he spend the night? Luke 6: 12. How many did He call and ordain to be Apostles? What were they to do? What power did He confer upon them? 16-19. Can you name the Twelve? Which five have we met already in our lessons? Which were brothers? Who are the sons of thunder? Who became "the Apostle to the Gentiles" afterwards? I. ENEMIES OF JESUS.-VS. 6-7. The Pharisees were His enemies, because they thought He did not observe the Sabbath and other laws strictly enough. Though they hated the king's friends, called Herodians, yet they conspired with these against Jesus; just as Pontius Pilate and Herod were made friends at the time of the crucifixion. This was an unholy alliance of religion and politics. Under one form or another this same union of religion and politics has often been formed, and always with evil results. Jesus withdrew from His foes, not because He feared them, but (1) to defeat their plans, and (2) to have free scope to teach and heal the multitudes. On the sea-shore there was room for all, and no one to disturb His preaching. Besides, there is ever a charm on the sea-shore, with its pleasant breeze. "Beach-meetings" are popular with Christians of our day. troubled life the Church has contiqued to sail, often beaten upon by waves and winds, sometimes almost overwhelmed, but never destroyed-because the Master is with her. The winds and the waves shall obey Thy Peace, be still! Peace, be still!" They all shall sweetly obey Thy will"6 Peace, be still! Peace, be still!" The middle part, or body of the church edifice, is called the nave (from navis, a ship), from its resemblance to that vessel, and because in it are those whom "the fishers of men" have taken with the gospel net. 10-11. We have here a continuation of the works of mercy performed by Jesus, in which He never wearied. It was His delight to do good to the bodies as well as to the souls of men. He is the great Exemplar of all true philanthropists and humanitarians, as well as the chief missionary and religious 8. The countries here mentioned show Teacher. the circle of Christ's influence. Tyre and Sidon lay north of the Holy Land, and were inhabited by Gentiles. But even there believers were found. At a later time a woman from that country came and obtained a great blessing from Jesus. Idumea is another name of the ancient Edom. Aretas was its king at this time, and Herod Antipas had married and divorced his daughter. Intimate relations had been established between the Idumeans and the Jews since the days of John Hyrcanus, who compelled them to accept the Jewish cus toms. II. CHRIST PREACHING FROM SHIP. The little ship afforded a protection against the press of the crowd, and also a convenient platform from which to preach, so that all might see and hear Him. III. Vs. 13-15. JESUS CHOOSING APOSTLES. It was essential to the extension and perpetuation of His cause that He should choose assistants, who should carry forward His work after His return to heaven. This was one of the chief events in His ministry, and He, setting us an example, did not enter upon it without engaging in prayer. Thus He spent a night upon the mountain alone. Ou the choice of the right men depended largely the success of the cause. Scribes and Pharisees, though learned men, He could not choose, because they did not believe in Him or fiis teachAings. Even His secret disciples amongst this class, such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, failed to comprehend His mission. There was no choice, but amongst "the common people, who heard Him gladly." Many of these had already become intimate disciples. Out of their number He must choose the fittest ones for apostles, or chief ministers. Apostle means one sent forth-an ambassador from the King. The ship is a type of the Church, as was the Ark. It safely rides the sea, bearing a precious freight of saved ones to the haven of eternal rest. Christ in the ship, teaching the multitudes, is a prophecy of what has taken place ever since. On the sea of this 14. Twelve were chosen as represent atives of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were first to be with Him by day and night, that they might be thoroughly taught, might see and hear and know what He did, and what they must do afterwards. Never since had candidates for the ministry such a Teacher never since was there such a Theological Seminary. They were sent forth, (1) to preach (2) and to heal sicknesses, and (3) to cast out devils. The office is perpetual; and regularly ordained ministers are the successors of the apostles. Like them, they must be called of God, chosen, ordained and sent forth. "No man taketh this honor unto himself." "I have chosen you." Vs. 16-19. THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE. Peter and Andrew, his brother; James and John, his brother; Philip and Nathanael, or Bartholomew; Matthew (Levi) and Thomas; James (son of Alpheus) and Thaddeus; Simon (the Zealot) and Judas Iscariot. The three chief ones were Peter, James and John, who formed an inner circle. Peter is always mentioned first, and was the undoubted leader, chief speaker, and practical administrator; but not in any official sense higher than the others. A few years later PAUL was chosen as the great apostle to the Gentiles. He came not from the common people, but was a learned Pharisee. PUNCTUALITY. Next to sincerity and capacity, I regard punctuality as the chief virtue of a Sunday-school teacher. I do not merely mean that faithful teachers should be at their posts every Sunday, but that they should come early. As a rule officers and teachers should be in their places before the scholars begin to arrive. The contrary would be as unreasonable as to invite guests to dinner and then not to be on hand to receive them. Nothing can be worse than to come late, puffing and blowing, and thus disturbing the whole school. early. She answered, "It is a part of my religion not to disturb the religion of others." It is really not a hard thing to be punctual when you look at the matter in that way. The writer is required to enter upon his daily duties at half-past eight every morning. The walk from his house to his place of employment requires twenty minutes. Whenever the clock strikes eight he starts out, rain or shine, and unless detained on the way, he is sure to have ten minutes to spare, in which to get ready for the day's work. This has become a fixed habit, and he would not be comfortable at home after eight o'clock. In a somewhat similar way, Sunday-school teachers might easily form the habit of starting from home early enough to be in their places before the hour for opening the school. Try it, teachers! If you will show me a place where all the teachers are in their places and ready to join at the proper moment in the opening services, I will show you a prosperous school. PLEDGING TEACHERS.-The day has gone by when a Sunday-school teacher could look upon Sunday-school teaching as a matter of minor importance-to be attended to if convenient, and to be slighted when other things were more tempting. It is now understood that a Sunday-school teacher is in a certain sense a pastor, and that the pastor must be in his place on Sunday, either personally or by an approved substitute; and that he must be there well prepared for his special work, and prove faithful in it. A pledge to preparation, to punctuality, and to faithfulness, is now implied in the very acceptance of the post of a Sunday-school teacher.-S. S. Times. IT is hardly fair to mix up earthly and heavenly meditations. A village pastor was examining his parishioners in the catechism. He came to the question, "What is thy only comfort in life and death?" which he asked of a young girl who hesitated, and then answered," Well, if I must tell you, it is A woman who was very punctual in the young shoemaker who comes to see attending divine worship was asked me every Sunday evening, and who how it was she could always come so I offered himself last night."-Tribune. SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY. LESSON VII. MARK iii. 20-35. Christ's Foes and Friends. 20. And the multitude cometh together again, so 22. And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. 23. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? 24. And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end." 27. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. 28. Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be for February 12, 1882. given unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme. 29. But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. 30. Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. 31. There came then his brethren and his mother, and standing without, sent unto him, calling him. 32. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. 33. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother or my brethren? 34. And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 35. For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. Verse 21. His friends-half-brothers and sisters, children of Joseph by his former marriage. 22. Scribes-writers and interpreters of the Law. 22. Beelzebub-lord of the flies-the name of a Philistine god, or idol. Here, the prince of devils. 23-26. A divided kingdom perishes through inward strife. So a family, in which there is no union, must separate on account of division. 27. The strong man-the devil. His house is the hearts in which he dwells-also this evil world. Luke 11: 22. A stronger than he, however, spoils his goods. 28-30. The sin against the Holy Ghost is unpardonable. The impenitent may fear, lest they commit it. 31-32. See instructions on v. 21. 33-35. They that do the Father's will are all the brothers and sisters of Christ-the family of God. CATECHISM. Ques. 7. Whence then proceeds this depravity of human nature? Ans. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Para dise; hence our nature has become so corrupt, that we are all conceived and born in sin. QUESTIONS. Verse 20. What could Jesus not find time to do, because of the multitude? 21. Who now, besides His enemies, try to hinder His work? What did they say of Him? 22. What wicked charge did the Scribes make? Who was Beelzebub? 23. By what question did he show the foolishness of their charge? 24-26. What three examples illustrate the weakness of division? 27. Who is meant by the strong man? What by his house, and his goods? What Stronger One" bound and overcame Satan? 28-30. What is the unpardonable sin? Were his enemies on the verge of committing it? In what "danger" were they? 31-32. Did "His brethren believe on Him" as the Messiah? (John 7: 3-5). Did they, perhaps, try to hinder His work out of fear for His safety? 33-34. Did He mean to deny His earthly mother and relatives?" Did He recognize a higher relationship than that of flesh and blood? Whom does He call His mother and His brethren? Ans. All true believers. 35. Whose will do these spiritual relatives and friends obey? Are you a member of God's family? Who is, then, your "elder Brother?" Have you more room in your heart for His love? LESSON 7. February 12, 1882. TOPIC: Hindering the Lord's Work. HINDRANCE FROM ENEMIES.-Vs. 20 -27. Several months had passed between the choosing of the Apostles and this lesson. Jesus is again in Capernaum, and the crowds about Him are greater than ever, so that He cannot find time to rest or take nourishment. 21. To His friends this seemed like overtasking Himself a sign of overexcitement, and rushing into danger. They would fain lay hold of Him and check Him. They even brought the uncalled-for accusation: He is beside Himself, or mad. St. John tells us that they did not believe on Him. afflicted; Satan causes madness, confusion and strife. The Scribes knew this, but wickedly suppressed the truth. 27. Like a strong man armed, Satan heart: it requires a stronger one to bind keeps his house or palace, the human him-suppress his power and influence and spoil his goods, or deliver his captives. There is no stronger evil Therepower than the devil himself. be a Divine Being. fore He who is spoiling his house must II. WARNING AGAINST BLASPHEMY. Vs. 28-30. Of this Divine power the Scribes had spoken evil-they had called the good bad. They were bordering upon the very verge of committing the unpardonable sin. 22. The Scribes had come from Jerusalem to watch and criticise Him. They It is true, all sins may be forgiven, now mingle with the people, and drop if committed in ignorance or weakwords of poison that may kill any be-ness, and truly repented of. The Faginnings of faith that may be in them. ther's goodness and power in nature He hath Beelzebub. They do not attempt to deny His miracles, but they attribute them to a supernatural evil power, instead of Divine power. Baalzebub, the lord of the flies, was worshipped by the Philistines. He was supposed to be the one who sent flies and locusts, or turned them away. As the Jews were at enmity with the Philistines, they looked upon their deity as the devil. The Scribes charge that this prince of devils enabled Jesus to cast out inferior demons. Malice could suggest nothing worse, or more absurd, as Jesus proceeds to show. 23-26. Hitherto these writers of the law had kept at a distance from Him; He now calls them unto Him. It is to be hoped that they at least blushed, if they did not tremble, as they came into the holy presence. They cannot answer the question contained in the 23d verse. By three examples He shows the absurdity of their slanderous charge. In union there is strength; in division, only weakness. "United we stand; divided we fall." However much the kingdom of evil may be inwardly confused and divided, yet outwardly, as against the kingdom of God, it is one, hostile only and always. Satan casts out no inferior evil spirit, else he would have an end. It is his to possess. The works that Christ did brought peace, calm, reason to the souls of the and providence, the Son's love and mercy in redemption, may be misapprehended and antagonized; but in the conflict of good against known evil, as carried forward by the Holy Spirit, beware lest you array yourselves on the wrong side, and resist the good, and favor the evil. From resisting the Spirit, and grieving Him, you may next proceed to quench Him, and thus reach that state of reprobacy, of utter hardness of heart, when repentance is no longer possible, when conversion can no longer take place. Then there is no forgiveness. This sin is not one act, but rather a state of sinfulness, when man says to evil: be thou my good! To call good evil, and say that it proceeds from the devil, this is speaking evil of the Holy Spirit; it is blasphemy. 29. Eternal damnation is sometimes translated eternal sin, sometimes eternal judgment. In any case it is a fearful warning against delaying repentance; against hardening of the heart by willful sin. 30. This warning He uttered, "because they said, He hath an evil spirit.” They slandered both Christ, and the Spirit who was in Him. To sin against Jesus is to sin against His Spirit also. III. HINDRANCE FROM MISTAKEN FRIENDS. Vs. 31–35. Christ was hindered also by mistaken friends. Some think the brethren referred to were sons |