11, first part). A happy garden for those who pass through the Judgment and are not rejected, so in the picture; but little they knew, or we know, of the glory and happiness of the saved souls then. They shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend," &c. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (St. Matt. xiii. 41-43). Have we a clock that strikes, or do we hear the church clock? Each hour that strikes tells us we are an hour nearer to the Judgment Throne, have another hour less to get ready in. But what does the cross mean in the judge's hand (picture) ? Emblem of life. Where was such marked on you? and once for all. That mighty wave which poured along the sea-board of Bengal in November, 1876, when about 215,000 perished in the ravages of a storm-wave; islands entirely submerged -an instance of Nature doing that which it will achieve hereafter on a gigantic scale, in thus winding up the account of a vast number of reasonable creatures with the God Who made them. . . . Some of our Indian fellowsubjects had gazed during a long lifetime on the sea which washed their coasts; and they would have smiled had they been told that one night it would rise to a height of twenty-four feet above the land, and sweep every living thing before it. Yet the cyclone came, and in an hour or so all was over." (Canon Liddon.) III. THOUGHTS FOR TEACHERS. 1. The end of the world and the Great Judgment are to be preceded by the millennium; that is a period described as "a thousand years," during which-(a) Satan bound is kept under lock and key in the bottomless pit; (b) the saints rise and reign with Christ. What is the meaning of this? Are we now passing through the period thus described? Dean Vaughan argues, forcibly and always reverently, that Rev. xx. 1-6, in which this millennium is set forth, describes the Christian Dispensation through which we are now passing; that Satan is now restrained; that the work of redemption condemned the world and its master; "Evil might linger awhile after that redemption; but as a sentenced and forejudged thing, the devil would be as a convict in his condemned cell, the abyss" (St. Luke x. 18; St. John xii. 31; 2 Pet. ii. 4; Jude 6.) The "first resurrection" would then mean the spiritual change from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; the rising of the soul, not of the body. Observe that the final consummation is to have a last prelude; Satan loosed for a little time from his prison-house; one last desperate enterprise of all the forces of evil and of every unclean spirit. "Upon this gathering, this confederation of infidelity, of ungodliness, and of atheism will burst the light of Christ's coming." 2. "All through the ages during which man has inhabited this planet there has been a succession of tragic occurrences, whether on the face of nature or in the region of human history they are judgments. They effect on a small scale, and for a generation or a race, what the Universal Judgment will effect for all the races of men, 3. "Nothing has contributed more powerfully to wean me from all that held me down to earth than the thought, constantly dwelt upon, of death and of the last account."-(St. Augustine.) 4. "We must all appear (i.e., be made manifest) before the judgment-seat of Christ." "Character, in this world, is always working itself out-a process of self-manifestation is continually going on. At the great day we stand completely revealed. What is in us comes out. The inner life displays itself. The principles and maxims by which we have been guided are laid bare. result of our lives stamps itself upon our outward appearance. And this manifestation is the sentence itself. . . . An indelible record is kept of the actions of the human race. But what is the record? I believe it to be the impression made upon the human memory by the various acts, and thoughts, and feelings of our lives upon earth. We are told The You with respect to some persons who had been recovered from drowning, that just before their brief state of unconsciousness every act in their history seemed to rise up again, and to be present in their minds in a moment of time. have seen, on a dark night, a flash of lightning darting suddenly from one side to the other of the heavens, and revealing for the instant, in most perfect and most vivid distinctness, every feature of the landscape below; and then leaving it stranded again in as deep and impenetrable a gloom as before. . . . In a future state of existence such activity might be imparted to the human memory as that all the past life should start up, as it were, into being again, and the whole be presented to the mind at a single view. To the memory of a godless man the long array of warnings despised, invitations rejected, pleadings of God's Spirit resisted all these things a troop of grim sheeted ghosts-freeze and horrify with their presence the spirit within him."-(Prebendary Calthrop, abridged.) 5. The conspicuous prosperity of the wicked, and apparent miseries of the righteous; the frequent persecutions of virtue, and eminent rewards of vice; the sweet and quiet departures often attending upon the most dissolute, and horrid tortures putting a period to the most religious lives, have raised a strong temptation of doubt and mistrust whether there be a God that judgeth | the earth." (David's "feet were almost gone" on this path, Ps. lxxiii. 2.) "Ex. cept there be a life to come in that life there be rewards and punishments otherwise dispensed than here they are, how can we ground any acknowledgment of an over-ruling justice?"-(Bishop Pearson.) 6. Waiting and watching for the return of Christ. 7. We are indebted to the Curator of the Soane Museum, Mr. George H. Birch, F.S.A., for the following transcription of that portion of the sarcophagus of Seti the 1st referred to in the illustration. (a) At the entrance are placed twelve mummies, the gods and goddesses who are in this pylon; opposite to them this inscription: "Come to us thou who art on the horizon, great god, who openest the retreat. Open the holy gates, draw back the mysterious doors." Overhead is the inscription, "Osiris, Master of Hades, Earth and Tanen." A sort of ceiling is placed over the scene, with a row of ornaments like fir trees, and below these four heads of gazelles or oxen placed upside down. Osiris or SER is seated on a throne with lion's legs at the top of a staircase of nine steps, and on each of these steps is a personage; these nine compose "the Ennead which accompanies SER." Before the god is a mummy supporting on its shoulder a pair of scales, and in one of the scales is the bird of evil. Behind the mummy a boat is moving away which contains a monkey which is driving a pig, the devourer of the arm, symbol of Typhon as author of the eclipses or phases of the moon. In the upper part and turned towards Osiris is Anubis, "who has nourished his father." Below, under the throne, are the enemies of SER. (b) The arrangement of the hieroglyphics surrounding these scenes was a little difficult to decypher because of the blending of two separate legends, one referring to SER, the other to the animals at the top, but if a horizontal line be drawn from the feet of Anubis, the two are then properly separated. Probably from the ignorance of the carver the text is rather incorrect. Legend of the enemies beneath the His enemies are beneath his feet, the The bearer of the hatchet and the bearer of the scales protect the inhabitant of the Amenti, who takes his repose in Hades, and traverses the darkness and the shadows. Happiness is above and justice below. The god reposes and sheds light produced by truth which he has produced. ་ LESSON XIX. "I believe in the Holy Ghost." I. THE QUESTIONING. 181. What do we say about the Holy Ghost in the Nicene Creed ? In the Nicene Creed we say, "I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified." 182. When, where, and why were these words about the Holy Ghost added to the Creed ? The words about the Holy Ghost were added to the Creed by the Fathers of the Church at the Council of Constantinople in 381, because of the false teaching of Macedonius, who denied that the Holy Ghost was truly God. 183. Why is the Holy Ghost called "the Lord"? The Holy Ghost is called "the Lord" because He is God. As St. Paul says, "The Lord is the Spirit" (2 Cor. iii. 17). 184. Why is the Holy Ghost called the "Giver of life"? The Holy Ghost is called the "Giver of life" because all spiritual life is from Him. He is to our souls what the breath is to our bodies. 185. What do we mean by "He proceedeth from the Father and the Son"? By "He proceedeth from the Father and the Son" we mean that He is sent forth from God the Father by God the Son. "The Spirit Whom I will send unto you from the Father " (St. John xv. 26). 186. Where do we first read of the Holy Ghost? We first read of the Holy Ghost in Gen. i. 2, when the world was dark, shapeless, and empty. He brooded over it as a mother bird broods over its nest, and gradually He changed it, till light, life, beauty, and fruitfulness came into it. 187. Say an Old Testament promise about the Holy Ghost. "I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit" (Joel ii. 28, 29). 188. What is the work of the Holy Ghost in Baptism and afterwards? The work of the Holy Ghost in Baptism is to unite us to Christ, and afterwards to renew us after Christ's likeness (Titus iii. 5; St. John iii. 3, 5). 189. Show that the Holy Ghost is given in Confirmation. The gift of the Holy Ghost in Confirmation is spoken of in Acts viii. 17, which tells us that the Apostles laid their hands on those who had been baptized by St. Philip, and they received the Holy Ghost. 190. What is the fruit of the Spirit ? The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Gal. v. 22, 23). II. THE INSTRUCTION on “Christ sending the Holy Ghost.” Supper, and (we suppose) of Coming of (i.) In the upper chamber; the promise given. Read St. John xiv. 15—18, 25, 26, xvi. 7, 13. What was this promised Comforter to do for us? 1. To show us the things of Christ (xvi. 14, 15). (a) What things? Truths about Christ and our holy religion treasured in Bible. Here is a brilliant jewel, diamonds flash and gleam, the owner will have a splendid case for it; will take it to the light, open it carefully, smile as he shows the treasure to your wondering eyes. Holy Ghost guided those who wrote the Bible so that it should contain the truth about Christ. He employed many writers through many years; we find in Psalms, history, letters, parables this truth. (b) How does He show us these things? Helps us to understand the truth in the Bible; as the astronomer with telescope helps us to understand stars. He also enables us to feel the power of it. (Illust.-A Japanese lad, "Mako"; written about in C.M. Gleaner; blind; his life solitary, loveless, dark; but light came in as he was taught the Holy Bible. He had St. Mark i.-viii. in raised type; carried it about everywhere, constantly reading it. On his last Good Friday (1895) one watched his face as he heard the story of Christ's sufferings and death. As this was read on and on he just buried his face in the large white cloth in which he carried his bit of the Bible folded up, and with his poor sightless eyes sobbed and cried for the sufferings of Christ. Who made him thus to feel it, whilst many other lads so unconcerned? Holy Ghost, as in xvi. 14.) 2. To take the place of Christ (xiv. 16-18). "Comfortless" means here" orphans," as children bereft of mother's love, father's care. See empty place (St.. Luke xxiv. 31) in room at Emmaus. Who had been in that place? What had He been doing all that afternoon? How did He make the two disciples feel? (ver. 32.) Now gone. Was His place to remain empty? No: One, unseen, but in all other ways like Jesus Christ, was to take that place, be with them, by the way, in their homes, would be in them, to teach, guide, help, befriend, always. (Acts i. 4, 5). This the promise (ii.) In the upper chamber; the promise fulfilled. Read Acts ii. 1-8. Strange things seen and heard. Fire. Wind. Speech. Joy on faces, on lips. How accounted for? By the mockers ? New, wine (see Eph. v. 18). By St. Peter? (1) The prophecy of Joel; promise of 500 years before. (2) Fulfilled by Christ, from heaven (Acts ii. 14-18, 32, 33). Say verses 3 and 4 of our hymn : "And His that gentle voice we hear," &c. "And every virtue we possess," &c. How gentle! Like summer breeze stirring the leaves of the wood quietly; yet how strong; as wind sweeping on rooting up great trees. We have had two reasons why Holy Ghost was sent (see above). Say one more To make us like Christ (2 Cor. iii. 18). He labours amongst us that we who are willing may become like Christ in character as years go on. (Illust. The sculptor and his block of marble, day by day, for long years, with hammer and chisel, at each blow bringing off a small chip, a little dust at least, gradually making beautiful form. Features stand out. So Holy Ghost came to work on human nature to make us like Christ.) Can the Holy Ghost change us all into Christ's image as clever sculptor can work on all marble? Only when we let Him; we have free will; youngest child can resist Holy Spirit, spoil His work (Acts vii. 51). As clay which cannot be moulded by the potter must be dashed back, broken, softened; so affliction often sent that we may be softened; that the Holy Ghost may work on us afresh (Eph. iv. 30). Two words for those who say, "I believe in the Holy Ghost": (a) Think how He overshadows you, as He did the world in Gen. i. 2. Spirit brooding as a bird over dark world, bringing in, little by little, light, life, order, beauty. So He broods over each baptized child, would work a change within; each good thought, prayer, desire, is a sign of His working in you. (b) Give yourself to His gentle work, as leaves give themselves to the gentlest wind; do what you feel He would have you do in secret and openly. Never go against conscience; do not be laughed out of religion; be true to your prayers; in all this you are yielding to Him; so He can shape your character. How patient He is with us; how much He loves us; we think of love of Father; love of Jesus; do we think of love of Holy Spirit? St. Paul did, and felt it (Rom. xv. 30). Years ago Newgate Prison very, very bad; women prisoners were patiently visited by a sweet, gentle woman; voice, manner, speech gentle. They laughed at her, opposed her, tried to disgust her; but she had come to do them good; so patient, persistent; at last many yielded to her kindness; let her lead them to better III. THOUGHTS 1. The Holy Ghost in creation. 'Remember, every living thing around us-every child we meet, every flower we see, every blade of grass-is a 'Sacrament'- -an outward and visible sign of the nearness of God the Holy Ghost. . . . How is it that you are alive-able to use your mind and to bend your knees? Why is that arm so strong? Because He is over you, as the Giver of life, giving to you moment by moment your breath, your strength, your life. We are living and moving under the overshadowing wings of God the Holy Ghost."-(Bishop Webb.) 2. The Holy Ghost in providence. "If you look along the page of history, as lighted up by God's Word, you see how the Holy Ghost presides over outward circumstances, and takes individuals by the hand to play their part. His is the Author of our various gifts; playing like a great Master upon the various instruments with which He has to deal." (Bishop Webb.) 3. The Holy Ghost in the Church. "But if God is so near to us in creation, and around us at work in providence, what more do we gain in His special sphere, the Church of God? In the Church, God the Holy Spirit works from within; in nature and in providence He works from without. The Church is the Temple of the Living God."-(Bishop Webb.) 4. The office of the Holy Ghost in the sanctifying of man is described by Bishop Pearson as- -(a) Revealing the will of God to man and illuminating the soul of each (2 Tim. iii. 16; Acts xvi. 14). (b) The regeneration of man (Titus iii. 5; St. John iii. 5). (c) To lead, direct, and govern us, that we may do what is well pleasing to God (Rom. viii. 14, 26, 27). From His making intercession especially He is said to be called the "Paraclete" (translated "Comforter") or "Advocate." (d) To join us unto Christ and make us members of the Body of which Christ is the Head (1 Cor. xii. 13, 14). (e) To assure us of the adoption of sons (Rom. v. 5 Gal. iv. 6; 2 Cor. i. 21, 22). (f) To set apart persons for the duty of the ministry (Eph. iv. 12; Acts xx. 28). 5. Macedonius was the head of those who impugned the Divinity of the things. Thus the Holy Spirit in us; so much to contend with; yet so patient, so loving. Let Him do His good work in you (see again Eph. iy. 30). FOR TEACHERS. Spirit. Orthodox about the person of of the Son, he believed that the Holy Ghost was a creation. He called the Holy Ghost the servant of God. This heresy was condemned at the Council of Constantinople, A.D. 381, which added to the Nicene Creed the words about the Holy Ghost. 6. Filioque (" and from the Son"), i.e., that the Holy Ghost proceeded from the Son as well as from the Father, is a point in the Nicene Creed which separated the Eastern Church from that of the West. The Latin Fathers added the words after the Council of Constantinople. Pope Leo III. declared that no such words ought to be added to the Creed, and caused the Nicene Creed, without this addition, to be graven on silver plates, both in Latin and Greek, and so to be publicly set forth in Church; but for centuries the controversy raged, and led to a schism between the Greek and Roman Churches which has not to this day been healed. 7. "The work of the Holy Spirit, taking of the things of Christ and showing them to us, is wonderfully illustrated in the conversion of a celebrated Hindu, Professor Shastri, in 1896. He was a scholar of much repute; he laboured as an ascetic preacher of Hinduism, with wonderful success; with his charming eloquence, practised mode of delivery, extensive knowledge of Oriental classics, his proficiency in English and several Indian vernaculars, he created a great sensation; with his black, glossy, and peculiarly-curled long hair, a leopard skin on his shoulders. His mission was also to preach against Christianity. Up to 1890 he was its great enemy. He wrote: Christianity is thus repugnant to my feelings and shocking to my ideas. No man can make me a Christian. Shall we leave our illustrious Rama and Krishna and become the followers of a common carpenter's Son?' But a few years after he writes: 'The grace of God is stealing downward like the dew of heaven-in silence and unseen. ... I was baptized on the 2nd day of August at Sharanpur. I am a new man in Christ Jesus there are times when the heart will and must speak for itself; |