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YOUNG CHRISTIANS INSTRUCTED.
Sermon, by Sylvanns Landrail), I). I)., Mem
pills, Tenn.
“Feed my Lambs.” John xxi . 15.
The pastoral < ffloe is often illustrated by
the relation which a shepherd sustains to his
flock. The church is represented by a flock
of sheep. In it are older and stronger believ
ers, and young and weaker believers. One
may he old in yearn, but young as a Christian.
In the dialogue which our Lord held with
Peter as to his love and his duty to the church,
he uses two words in the Greek. One means
“feed” by giving nutriment; the other means
to “tend” as governing and caring for the
flock. The word “l ambs” does not mean lit
tle chi Hren as such; none are 'aintis by na
ture, but young converts, or old converts, who
are still weak.
Peter, in evidence of the sincerity of his
love, made a direct appeal to the omniscience of
God: “Thou knowest I love Thee.” Can
you do that ? Iliz-kiah, in his sickness, made
a similar appeal: “I beseech Thee, O Lord,
remember now how I have walked before
Thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and
have done that which is good in Thy sight.”
The perfect lie-art, and the doing of that
which is good, is wtiat makes a Christian.
Our subject is, Young Christians In
structed : Feed My Lamb*. It is according
to God’s will that His church shod I he coin”
posed of regenerated members. We are not
able to work up to this standard, but we must
approximate it. It is a great injury to the
church, and a great misfortune to the mem
ber to be in the church and not he a Christian.
Still, we have some unconverted members;
they cannot understand spiritual things, nor
manifest the secret life of the Lord. Their
condition is very sad. We can, however, hope
and pray for their conversion to U id.
Those who are really converted need much
instruction : First, as to mistakes which they
are likely to make. Secondly, as to tilings
which they should know and do,
MDsTAKES To HE AVOIDED.
1. It would be a great miatake for a young
convert to mj.poae that he known all about
religion ; that aa by a leap he haa reached all
the knowledge, experience and happinet-a of
a Christian. A young convert ia to a ma
ture Chriatian what the infant ia to the man.
He ia born of the spirit, but needs all the
nourishment, care and instruction of the little
•liild. lie can go on to know the Lord.
2. Another miatake is that they must ex
pect to become leas religious after the joy of
their first love. They are sometimes con
firmed in thin mistake by being told by others
that lin y will not feel after awhile as they now
do. Perhaps not, but why should they decline
in love and joy ? It is their sin if they do not
rejoice always, I am sure I would not ex
change my present experience in religion for
the restacy of my first love. Tl e last is best in
religious experience. There may be more
emotion in early experience; but religion
la principle, not emotion. Do not make the
mistake that mere feeling is religion.
3. Do not suppose that you can go along in
the church and live as you see some members
live. 1 here is hut one model for you to imi
tate; you cannot follow any man as a perfect
example. Jesus la your ideal. You are to he
like Jems in spirit and life. “If ye have not
the Spirit of Christ, ye are none of His.”
Settle doubtful questions by asking, “would my
Saviour do this, or does lie approve this?’’
It is a tearful mistake to suppose that you
can neglect your church, or slight your
Church, and still grow in grace, he useful and
happy. Many have made this mistake, and
guttered most fearfully for it. You cannot
improve on God’s plan, and that is that you
must not neglect your church. "Forsake not
the assembling of yourselves together.” The
spirit ot truth dwells in the church, and we
are sanctified through the truth. Neglect your
church, or wander about from place to place,
•ltd you will be a very poor Christian at best.
6 Do not suppose that you cannot find
enough to do. Get ready for work—for re
sponsibilities—and it will come faster than
you can meet it. Do the little things and do
llieai well. The child must spell and read
before undertaking to calculate an eclipse. It
there is an unconverted child or man in your
reach, begin your work there. Andrew,
when he found Jesus, went after his brother
Simon, and Philip fimlelh Nathaniel. They
began work by finding someone who did not
know the Lord. "Let him that heareth, say
come.”
6. It iso great mistake which some make in
this day that they can work through some
benevolent, moral or Christian organization
just as well as through the church. Many
organizations of this kind are useful; may be
used for certain purposes, but can never equal
or take the place of God's divine institution of
the Church. This is the pillow and ground of
the truth; it is built upon the inspired apos
tles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being
the chief corner stone. Christ is Head over
all things to the Church. Then, remember
always that the Church is above all societies or
Christian associations, and has a right to the
first place in your love and in your services.
The Church must have the preference over all
things. Violate this order and yon cross God’s
purposes, and, of course, must sufier sooner or
later.
THINGS TO HE KNOWN AND PRACTICED.
1. That to be Christians we must he unself
ish. When you were converted to God you
gave up all—gave yourself away—surren
dered your will, your time, your influence,
your property, to God. Betore this you lived
for gelt as the center of all, but now to God as
the center of your life. The diflerence be
tween a Christian and an unbeliever is just
here: the Christian is not selfish, while the
unbeliever is. The world cannot even under
stand the unselfish motives and actions of a
V/hristian. Selfishness is contrary to the law
of God. “Thou shall love thy neighbor as
thysell.” It is condemned by the example of
Jesus. He said : “My meat is to do the will
ol him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
You show selfishness by being lovers of your
selves ; by seeking your own ; by seeking’ after
gain for its own sake; by serving God for a
reward; by seeking undue precedence. All
this is inconsistent with Christian love and
the communion of saint*. You will find the
opposite of selfishness, wnich is true Christian
love, beautifully and wonderfully described
in the 13tb chapter of I. Corinthians. It is
a love that “seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not iit
iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.”
2. Seek holy excitement. 1 know that we
all instinctively crave excitement. You cm
have u lu your religion. “Be not drunk with
wire, wherein is excess, but be filled with the
Spirit.” You do not need the excitements of
the uhgodly ; you may have better ones. Mo
notony becomes intolerable. We crave a
quicker pulse, a warmer and fuller passion.
Hence, the popularity of all that is sensational
in theatres, sjairts, music, books and papers.
People drink and gamble for excitement.
Your religion t flers new and pure excitement;
high spiritual intercourse with man ; shak
ing to yourselves in psalms, hymns and spir
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST -July 25.
itual songs. Men are the highest beings on
earth, and poetry is the highest form of lan
guage. High feeling runs into poetry. More
than speaking to men iri poetry it is yours to
hold fellowship with Christ: “Singing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord,”
the soul pouring out its sweet melodies in the
Divine ear. Thanktul recognition of Divine
favors: “Giving thanks always for all things
onto God.” All this iB to be filled with the
Spirit, and is not this sufficient excitement?
To have the Spirit is to have the Spirit’s ideas,
the Spirit’s purposes, and the Spirit’s love.
What exciting ideas, what exalting purposes,
and what transporting love is Ilisl
3. Stand firmly always for the right, the true,
the good. To do this you must learn one of
the greatest lessons, and that is to say no; to
all that is wrong, to all temptations, to friends
as well as foes who would draw you away
from your duty. No, uttered at the right
time, saves much trouble. You must be
strictly honest and truthful, or the Blessed
Spirit will leave you. You must cultivate a
ten ler conscience by attending to her feeblest
whisperings. Think always that God’s eye is
upon you, and that you must be just right be
fore Him. You must live under the law of
dutv. A. Christian hope that does not con
strain to obedience to God’s laws cannot be
genuine. It is best and safest to give it up.
The only reliable evidence that you are a true
Christian is that you are heartdy doing the
will os God.
4. You should defend your church as you
would the honor of your family. Cultivate
charitable judgment; you must not be cen
sorious; must not judge the motives of others.
You must not tattle. The tattler is a public
enemy, whom all should rshun. “The tongue is
a fire—a world of iniquity. So is the tongue
among our members that it defileth the whole
body, and setteth on fire the course of nature,
and is set on fire ol hell.” Many times the
best service that you can render to God is to
hold your tongue. Do not believe half you
hear, nor say one-tenth of what you might
say. Words are living things which we must
meet at the judgment.
5. Try to make your life just as useful as
pogsbie—both by avoiding the wrong and
pursuing the rigid. Y>u should be just as
pure, just as self-denying, just as anxious
to gloiity Christ as you would have your
minister to be. The Bible does not say,
“You ministers love G id, and do all t) the
glory of God;” but says this, all, to yon. You
must he wholly on the Lord’s side. Do not
try the fatal experiment of seeing how near
you can drive the wheels of life to the fearful
precipice of sin and death, but keep at a Hafe
distance from danger. The passengers who
lemained on the Capital City, or too near it,
were burned to death last week. Forsake al
together the fire doomed vessel of sin. How
awful ihe doom of those who endure not the
fire of our burning elevator, hut of eternal
woe!
Dear young converts, you cannot be safe,
u-eful or happy, without learning the secret of
unceasing prayer. Not that you are to be al
ways in the posturo of prayer, or using
the words of prayer, hut that you are to
he constantly in such a sense of the near
ness of God—of your dependence upon Him to
keep you and help you, in such a prayerful
spirit, that, at any moment, in any danger,
you can ery out mentally to Ood for present
help. This ejaculatory prayer can he used
everywhere. If you sin, do not let that keep
you from your Saviour, but rather hasten to
Him. If 'Ou backslide, if you ever are pub
licly excluded from the Church, yon will ay,
“it was because I neglected prayer.” You
cease to fight the foes of your salvation when
you restrain, or neglect prayer. Pray at all
times:
“Go wtien the morning slilneth,
Go when the noon is bright,
Go when t he ovodeellneth,
Go to the hush of night;
Go with pure mind and feeling,
Fling earthly thought away,
And in thy closet keeling,
Do thou in secret pray.
Remember all who love thee.
And all who are loved by thee ;
Pray too for those who hate thee,
If any such there be ,
Then for thyself in meekness,
A olcsslng humbly claim.
And blend with eacli petition
Thy great Itedeemer’s name.”
©nr tf ovmjicmhtils.
For the Index and Baptist.]
SI WON I. K i rKB
Macon is dull just now. Previous
to the Commencement of Mercer, the
revival meetings kept us stirred up,
and those meetings were held by both
Baptists and Methodists. In addition,
there was considerable excitement
caused by the necessary preparation
for Commencement. Then came the
Commencement itself, which justly
aroused the whole city ; but, now, with
the execution of an interesting revival
meeting going on in the South Macon
church, uuder the care of Rev. E. Z.
F. Golden, the pastor, the Baptists of
Macon are having a quiet time. Dr.
Skinner has gono to New York with
Mrs. Skinner, whose health suddenly
gave way during the revival, rendering
the Doctor so uneasy that he carried
her North immediately after the Com
mencement. I see very serious excep
tion taken to his use of the word brass,
in connection with Dr. Teasdale’s
qualifications, in a recent issue. My
opinion is that Dr. S. was speaking
half jocularly, or simply good-natured
ly, if he wrote “brassfor there was
nothing in Dr Teasdale’s deportment
or bearing here, during the revival,
savoring of “brass,” in the usual ac
ceptation of that word. He was sol
emn, earnest, devout, and preached
very evangelical sermons. He gained
the love and confidence of our citizens
aud did great good. Dr. Skinner let
Uiui have his o* n way all the time,
and he rea’ly seemed to enjoy him
self all during the meeting. What
Dr. S. might have called “brass" I
should denominate holy earnestness.
He certainly hid remarkably large au
diences to the very last, and, in my
judgment, was very modest aud unas
suming in manner while officiating.
1 attended a Ministers’ aud Deacons’
meeting aud Sunday-school Institute
of the Central Association, in Putnam
county, lately, aud it was a very enjoy
able occasion. The good people ot the
Harmony church entertained their
visitors tu a “princely” way, if profuse
hospitality aud kindness mean “prince
ly.” The meeting was interesting,
but I reckon brother Springer, the
clerk, will send a report, so I will not
anticipate him. The Sunday-school
Evangelist was there, and made him
self useful as well as entertaining.
At the last Conference of the Macon
First Baptist church a majority voted
to ask for a letter of dismission from
the Central Association. I believe
the idea prevails among most of
our members who take the trouble to
think about it, that the Uchoboth is
more convenient, and that it will be bet
ter to belong to that Association. I
believe, however, the church purposes
retaining the right to dispose of its
funds according to its own judgment.
The late Commencement was regard
ed as brilliant and successful, in Ma
con, and the faithful professors were
fully rewarded for the labor and care
bestowed upon the young men who
took part in the exercises. Mtoon
highly regards Mercer ; she holds the
faculty in the highest esteem, and the
students are welcomed into the best
families. I siucerely hope that all
Baptists in the State who have boys
to educate will send them to Mercer.
With brother Mcßryde in charge of
the mess hall, and with such an able
faculty as we have, and with a healthy
city, all reasonable expectations will be
fulfi led, both as regards comfort and
culture. S. Boykin.
Macon, July 12, 1878.
For the Index and Baptist.]
MINISTERS’ AN It DEACONS’ INSTIUITF.
Appointed by the New Knubnry Association, to
be Held at Junes Creek Clinreh, Beginning
ou Friday before the Fifth Sabbat It in Sep
tember.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION,
ist. What is the cause or causes of the
present low state of religion in the
churches? —Jas. Spier to write, H. L.
Hamilton to lead in discusg'on.
2d. What can be done to remove
this sad calamity?—T. S. Sanford to
write, R. L. J. Grant to lead discussion.
3d. What is the proper relation ot
the church and Sunday-school?—A.
M. M Iver to write, J. L. Shaw to
lead in discussion.
4th. Can a church fail to keep up
a Sunday-school in her bounds with
out sin ? —T. C. Boykin to write ;
L. J. B. Fairchild, an address, to be
followed by discussion.
sth. Should a preacher continue to
serve a church that will not maintain
a Sunday-school in its bounds ? —A.
McDonald to write, C. C. Tharp to
lead discussion.
6th. 'Vhat treatment should a
church pursue towards one of her
members who advocates and practices
open communion ? —W. A. Fleming to
write; J. G. Norris, an address, fol
lowed by discussion.
7th. Should a Baptist church per
mit a member of a sister church to
commune with her who communes
with a Pedobaptist church ? —G. A.
Blount to write, H. C. Parker to lead
discussion.
Bth. What course should Baptist
churches and ministers pursue towards
Baptist ministers who advocate open
communion sentiments and practice ?--
W. D. Atkinson to write, W. L. Geiger
to lead discussion.
9th. What course should a Baptist
church pursue towards a sister Bap
tist church which has adopted open
communion sentiments and practice?—
D. G. Daniell to write, A. C. Ward to
lead discussion.
ioih. Is there proper caution uni
formly exercised tn these latter days,
in the introduction of men into the
Gospel ministry ?--L. C. Tebeau to
write, H. F. Horne to lead discussion.
Sermons will be preached by visiting
ministers , we hope, on important sub
jects. Brethren from other Associa
tions are invited to attend, and as
sured of a hearty welcome; and it
they will apprise the Clerk of the
church, (H. F. Horne, at Johnston’s
Station), of their coming, conveyances
will meet them at No. A. & G.
Railroad, and convey them to the
church. We would be glad of assur
ances from quite a number of breth
ren that they will attend, in which
case an effort will be made to secure
half rates on the railroads.
Come, brethren, and God grant you
to come “in the fullness of the blessing
of the Gospel of Christ.”
D. G. Daniell.
For the Index and Baptist.]
•‘THi RECORDER.”
Dear Index : I noticed in your is
sue of June 27th an article from The
Recorder , “on the growth of Roman
Catholicism in this country.” Its
sentiment is singular for a Baptist pa
per. Ido not know whether it is the
Western Recorder, the Biblical Record
er, or some other Recorder. It does
not sound like the Biblical Recorder,
for its sentiment does not seem to me
Biblical. Here is the article, or quota
tion, referred to :
“ Let the er ’angelical branches a wake( 1)
to the necessity of the times. Not by
the mere (2) profession of a better
faith, but by a consecrated life; by
co-operation; (3) by planting mis
sions; by sustaining the press; by
defending the public schools; by
working harder than hard woiking
Rome works; (4) by holding on high
a brighter light than that which shines
about the priestly altars; (5) by a
wanner heart, and a stronger right
hand only so shall Protestantism
triumph over Roman Catholicism in
this land.”
I never saw two sentences in a Bap-
tist paper contain more weak, or ob
jectionable, ideas, or implications.
1. "Evangelicalbranches" What are
they? Branches of Rome? Are the
churches of Christ to be counted the
members of a harlot ? Haul says not.
1 Cor. v. 15.
2. It is implied that those who op
pose Roman Catholicism in strong
terms are people whose religion is
"mere profession ” But Paul, in 1
Tim. iv. 1-6, commends such as “good
ministers of Jesus Christ.” Whom
shall we obey, Paul or the Recorder l
Will The Index say, and speak it out
loud, so all can hear it ?
3. "By co operation." With whom
shall we cooperate? With Baptist
churches, with “ evangelical branches,"
with Romanism, or with something
else? This seems too indefinite. It is
co operating with “moonshine.” We
should fear “entangling alliances,”
and co-operate with God accordtng to
His Word.
4. "Working harder than hard
working Rome." Surely that is com'
plimentary to Rome, but what com
fort is there in it to humble “evangel
ical branches ?" Rome does work
hard ; but tor what purpose ? Surely
not to build up those “evangelical
branches,” for she counts them apos
tate children that can only find pardon
by coming back with penitence to the
bosom of the holy mother church ! Is
the Recorder prepared for that co
operation ?
5. “The light about priestly altars.”
D >es the Recorder find brighter lights
about Romish altars than in Protes
tant or Baptist pulpits? When relig
ious newspapers so dilute their Gospel
influence, there is certainly more pow
er for harm than good. They become
is flickering lamps in the midst of
surrounding darkness, ready at any
moment to plunge those depending on
them into total obscurity. “Let there
be light”—clear, steady, well directed
light—then the world will be bene
fitted and God glorified.
W. M. H.
For the Index and Bapttsi.j
DECATUR IMPIlsr CHURCH.
The Decatur Baptist Church, on the
23d of June, elected brother C. M.
N“el to the office of Deacon. The
Church called a presbytery, the pastor,
Rev. F. M. Daniels and Rev. P. A.
Hughes, to assemble in the church on
Saturday night, 13th inst., to examine
the candidate. On Sunday, tne 14t,h
inst., at the close of the sermon by the
pastor, the presbytery placed iheir
hands on the head of the candidate as
a re oguition to the church and to the
world of his installation. The Church
requested their pastor to preach a ser
mon on the duties of a Deacon, to which
he responded in a very forcible and im
pressive manner. We trust it ma be
lasting and never forgotten. Our Jun
ior Deacon remarked that he was much
strengthened; he had for many years
tried to fill the office, but had come far
short; now, with the aid of our newly
installed brother, the church was
strengthened, and he felt that he had
a co-laborer to walk hand in hand in
filling the office of Deacon.
May our church unfurl the Banner
of Christ, and live in His embrace.
A Member.
For tho Index and Baptist. I
LETTER FROM COLUMBIA.
Editors Index : As you have, from
time to time, requested news from the
churches, I propose to briefly report
from the First Baptist church, Colum>
bus, Ga. Much sympathy was mani
fested, and doubtless felt, by all well
wishersof Zion.forourchurch in thelate
troubles through which she has passed,
and I know it will he gratifying news
to them, as it is to us, to be able to
state that we are gradually emerging
from the gloom that has overhung us
for the last three years. Under the
administration of our much beloved
pastor, Elder A. B. Campbell, we are
moving forward. He has encoun
tered many trials in his labors with
us, but the Lord has blessed him, be
cause he has cast all his burdens upon
One who is ready and willing to help.
In speaking of the difficulties that
brother Campbell was likely to en
counter in discharging the duties of
the pastorate of our church, one who
knew iiim intimately said of the out
look, “If any one can pray the church
through her difficulties, Abner Camp
bell can.” The sequel has proven
the correctness of the opinion, for
when brother C. found cases too hard
for him, he carried them to the Lord ;
and the Lord heard him, and has
honored bis faith by making him an
instrument of great usefulness to our
church and people.
Our congregations are good. Quite
a number are being added to the
church by letter, and occasionally
some by baptism.
This report would be incomplete
without mention of the labors of our
venerable brother, J. H. Campbell,
(lather of our pastor), who is engaged
in a mission work among our factory
people. He seems eminently fitted
tor his field of labor, and is doing a
noble work among them. In the com
mencement of his labors he held fre
quent meetings in private houses, but
tnis being too small to accommodate
the congregations, he appointed open
air meetings in a small park near the
nver bank, where large and attentive
congregations attend, sitting in pnma
tive style on the green lawn. These
meetings are held every Sunday, at
5:30 p. m., and a great many persons
attend them who never enter a church.
We truat great good is being accom
plished among a people hitherto some
what neglected.
Our State Mission Board has put
the “right man in the right place,”
and we trust it will be their pleasure
to sustain him in this important work.
H.
For the Index and Baptist. 1
THE DALTON BtPTIST CHI’RCH,
This church is in debt more than
two thousand dollars for their building,
which is worth ten thousand. We have
paid and paid during all these hard
times since 1873, until our ability to
pay is ended, and hence we are sending
out a private letter to every Baptist
preacher in Georgia, whose address we
tiave, asking through them a contribu
tion, sm all or great, from every church
in the iState. The amounts received
will be acknowledged after they are ail
iu. If any brother in the State or out
ot it should feel prompted to send us a
contribution, it will be very thaukfully
receivid. If any preacher should not
get a letter from the committee, and
should see this, let this authorize him
to help us with his people. The times
are too hard and it is the wrong time
of the year for us to expect much, but
a very little from each church will pay
the debt. In 1873, if we could have
foreseen what times Were coming, we
would have plauned accordingly, but
it is too late now to look back. Broth
er in Christ, we beg you not to let us
lose our position here as a denomina
tion, our usefulness largely as a church,
our sacrifices, toils, and church proper
ty, by failing to send us one, ten, two,
or five dollars—yes, send us anything,
from ten cents up ! I, as a pastor ami
laborer with my ministerial brethren
for Christ, beg that each preacher will
bring this matter before his people,
and ask them to do something for us.
R. T. Hanks, Pastor.
J. B. Stafford, H. A Russell, W.
H. Pruden, J. 11. Blanton, Committee.
For the Index and Baptist.
fclimY ROOT.
It is no f too late, I trust, to express
the sincere pleasure I experienced on
reading the announcement that this
dear brother had returned to Georgia.
Of all the men I have known through
out a long lifetime, I have never been
associated with a more noble, Christ
like man than Sidney Root, nor one
more useful in his sphere. Any man
(preacher or any one else,) will be ben
etitted by intimate association with
him, and any church that has him for
a memb'r will be greatlv enriched
thereby. God bless him and his family,
J. H. Campbell.
P. S. ff you come this way, brother
Root, let us see your face once more.
For the Index and Baptist.l
Orphan Homes in Texas and Georgia.
The Bayland Orphans’ Home, so
called, between Houston and Galves
ton, Texas, is supported, like the Geor
gia Baptist Orphans’ Home, by volun
tary contributions. The annual pic
nics given by the good people of both
Galveston and Houston, in aid of this
noble charity, are, it seems, indispen
sable to its success.
Will not Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah,
Macon, Columbus, and other large pla
ces in the State, imitate the example of
Galveston and Houston, and give one
picnic annually for the benefit of our
Georgia Baptist Orphans’ Home. The
Railroads of Georgia would make most
liberal terms in aid of this Home for
the homeless ones. Who will move
first? S
She Jftraiav-Jfrlunil.
Intentional Sunday-Scliool Lessons.
Lesson V. Angnst I, 1878.
THK DK tl (.11 r OF FISIIKS.
Luka v: 1-11. A. D. 28.
At the close of our last lesson we left Jesus
departing from Nazareth, and on his way to Ca
pernaum. As he came near to Capernaum the
incident of our present lesson occurred.
EXPLANATIONS.
Gennesaret.— The name of a re -ion. a city
and a sea. The name is the same with Chin
nereth, Ohinnerotli aud Omneroth of the Old
Testament. See Josh. xi:2;Josh. xix. 35,1 Ki. xv:
20. Sum. xxxiv:ll. The country gave its name
to the sea. In the New Testament.we find Land
of Gennesaret in Matt. xiv:3L and Mark vi:s3,
and in our present verse it is Lake of Gennesaret
The same water is also ca led .-ea of Galilee.
Matt. iv:18, aud Sea of Tiberias. Johu 6:1. The
city of Tiberias, on the western shore of the
lake and about two hoars ride from the place
where the Jordan issues from the lake, was
founded by Herod Antipas. and named by him
in honor of the emperor Tiberius. The whole
region of Gennesaret was ixceedingly fertile,
and lay on the western border of the sea, some
four miles in length and four or more in breadth.
The sea itself was twtlve o fourteen miles long,
and six or seven broad. It was one hundred and
sixty-five feet deep and surrounded bv beautiful
hills five hundred to one thousand feet high.
St. Lynch makes it six hundred and fifty-three
feet below the Mediterranean.
Ships. —These were fishermen’s boats. They
carried sail but were aiso propelled by oars. Jo
sephus says there were two hundred and thir.y
of them on the lake, attended by four or five
men each.
Nets.— These were of various kinds. 1. The
hand net, in shape like the top of a common
tent, with a long cord fastened to the apex. The
cord is tied to the fisherman’s arm audttie net so
folded that when it is thrown it expands to its
utmost circumference. Beads of lea t around its
border make it sink suddenly t ■ tie bottom.
This is used near the shore. 2. Tne drag net,
worked by several fishermen together, some row
ing the boat, some casting the net and some on
sho:’e drawing it in. 3. Bag nets and basket
nets of various kinds, constructed to enclose
fish in deep water. Dr. Thompson, author of
the Laud and the Book, supposes the nets of
onr lesson to have been of this last kind.
The incident of onr lesson is exceedingly inter
esting, and the account which Luke gives is
generally supposed to correspond with those
given in Matt. iv:18-22 and Marki:l6-20. The
latter accounts, however, omit the draught of
fishes.
OTTUXE.
I. Jesus preaching. V. 1-3.
11. The draught of fishes. V. 4-7.
111. Peter’s prayer. V. 8-10.
IV. Following Jesus. V. 10-11.
EXPOSITION.
I. Jesus preaching.
V. 1. “The people pressed upon
him.” The same wisdom with which
he had amazed the doctors in the
temple at the age of twelve drew the
people to him when he was thirty.
He was a popular preacher, and
crowds attended his ministry. Failing
to attract at Nazareth among his en
raged townsmen, he is surrounded by
eager listeners by the seaside, “To
hear the word of God.” This was the
attraction. The word of God always
has attracted, and does now. Men
who present Bible truths plainly and
fully are the men to whom the people
will listen.
V. 2. “Standing by the lake.” Drawn
up upon the beach. “The fishermen.”
The servants. “Washing their nets.”
Cleansing them from the mud, stones,
and other matter which they had gath
ered from the bottom of the lake or
from the shore.
V. 3 “Simon’s.” Simon Peter.
“Prayed him.” Asked him. Evidently
there had been some previous acquaint
ance between Jesus and Simon. Their
acquaintance begin at the time when
John was baptizing.
John i: 40 4i. They had met also
at the marriage in Cana of Galilee.
John it: 2. He had not yet been
called to attend him constantly. “From
the land.” From the beach. “Sat
down.” The common posture of Jewish
teachers. Here was a beautiful scene.
It was morning. The lake was calm. The
preacher was the son of Gcd. Hit pul
pit was a fishing boat. His audience a
multitude of eager listeners on the
gently rising beach. It wag out door
preaching. No mention is made of
either prayer or hymn. It was instruc
tion that was the main feature in this
out-door preaching.
11. The draught of fishes.
V. 4. “Had left speaking,” and the
multitude had probably departed.
“For a draught.” What a recompense
he is about to receive for the use of j
his boat. f
V. 5. “Master.” Luke uses
Greek word here translated master
instead of the Hebrew word Rabbi,
because he was writing for Greek
readers.“ All the night.” Theusualtime
of fishing there. See John xxi: 3.
“And have taken nothing.” Asa fish'
erman Peter had no hope of taking
any fish after such a night. “Neverthe'
less at thy word.” A remarkable ins>
tance of faith and obedience, and yet
the result surpassed his faith.
V. 6. “They.” The servants. “Their
net brake.” Rath-ex* was .
Here is a miracle, but whether u was
a miracle of power drawing a shoal of
fishes to this place at this precise
time, or a miracle of knowledge, per
ceiving that a shoal was there, the
narration does not indicate. Simon
was a fisherman, and therefore a good
judge of the presence of fish, and he
evidently believed that supernatural
power was exerted in this case.
V. 7. “In the other ship.” Which
was some distance off. “Partner?.’
James and John. See v. 10.
111. Peter’s prayer.
V. 8. “Saw it.” The immense num
ber of fishes, after a fruitless night of
toil. “Fell down at Jesus’ knees.”
Prostrated himself in the boat. He
believed himself in the presence of a
superior being, and in amazement and
wonder took the posture of an humble
suppliant. His prayer was, “Depart
from me ; for I am a sinful man, 0
Lord.” An improper request but still
not an unnatural one. It did not in
dicate any want of reverence or love
for Jesus, but expressed Simon’s con
sciousness of unworthiness to be ta
ken into familiar acquaintance with a
holy being. It was an involuntary, sud
den request, arising from ignorance of
the real characterof Jesus. How differ
ently he felt when he knew more of
Jesus, as, for instance, on the Mount
of Transfiguration, when he said, “One
for thee.”
V. 9. “Astonished.” Mo re-tins -hg
had been at the turning of water into
wine in Cana, or at anything he had
known of Jesus before. “All that
were with him.” All employed in
connection with his boat.
IV. Following Jesus.
V. 10. “Fear not.” Implying that
Simon was really afraid when he per
ceived the exhibition of divine power.
“From henceforth.” That is,“ you
shall immediately enter on anew
work. “Shalt catch men,” as a
preacher of the gospel.
V. it. “They forsook all.” James
and J urn, as well as Peter
drew also, who is mentioned in the
account by Matthew. “All,” even the
fishes they had taken.
LESSONS.
1. The smallest deeds done for
Christ will be richly repaid.
2. Tnat recognition of sin is deepest
which arises from the recognition of
the divne glory. For this reason the
more a Christian grows in gr-jcji the
greater will be his sense of sin.
3- Christians are called to a life
work.
4. He that faithfully labors for
Christ will be successful.
5. If we would truly follow Jesus,
we must esteem him of more value
than all other persons or things.