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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1936-05-14, Page 7I Sunday School Lesson JESUS INSPIRES HONESTY Sunday, May 17.—Luke 19:1-10, 45-48 Golden Text Thou s'halt not steal. (Exod, 20:15.) The lesson title is true—but mere “honesty” is only an incident in any life that really lets Jesus in as Sav­ iour and 'Lord. There are a great many .men who have never become true children of God by faith in His Son as their .Saviour, yet who are scrupuously “honest.” That is, they defraud no man, they pay’their bills promptly, they conduct their busi­ ness on a basis of strict honesty, they tell the truth, and they scorn dis­ honesty. A man can do all that in his own natural strength. But when he really comes into touch with the Lord Jesus 'Christ, as a 'corrupt graft- er did in this lesson, something hap­ pens in his life that goes 'way beyond all such honesty, admirable though it is. Zacchaeus is the man about whom the lesson incident centres. He lived in Jericho—and Jericho was a city under the curse of God (Josh. 6:26) Moreover, Zacchaeus s own repu­ tation was had. He was “the chief among the 'publicans and he was rich.” The publicans stood for all that 'was despicable in the Jews’ sight, being tax collectors for the Roman Government; that meant be­ ing thoroughly corrupt in financial matters, extortioners, oppressors of the people. They “grafted” putting into their town pockets all they could collect in the way of taxes above what they were required to turn over to the Government. If Zacchaeus was rich, everybody knew ho'w he had gained his riches. Yet he wanted to see the Lord Jesus. We do niot know why; per­ haps he had heard Him preach; per­ haps he ‘had watched Him at a dis­ tance and been impressed, even cap­ tivated by His manner and spirit. Crowds were thronging the Lord at this time, and Zacchaeus, was “little of stature.” So we read that “he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him; for He was to pass that way.” The Lord knew what was in men’s k hearts, and He must have seen spir­ itual hunger and thirst in the heart of his rich but despised tax gatherer For the Lord “looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, “Zacchaeus * .make haste, and come down; for to- * day I .must abide at thy home.” It is a picturesque scene, and a touching one. The little man “made haste, and came down, and received Him. joyfully.” How Zacchaeus’s heart must have leaped as he realiz­ ed his honour and privilege! What did .the crowd think Amaz­ ed shocked “they all murmured, say­ ing, That He was gone to be guest with a mad" that is a sinner.” But that is the only kind of man that Christ left heaven to seek and to save. On another 'occasion when the Lord was sharply criticized for eating with “.many publicans and ■sinners,” He said: “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick ... I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to re­ pentance.” (Matt. 9:12-12.) Yes. Zacchaeus, like all the rest of us, was a sinner. But, unlike some of the rest of us, he was not going to keep on with the sins that had stained his life. Here was his amazing declaration as he stood be­ fore Christ: “Behold, Lord, the half ■I a of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusations, I restore him four-fold.” And now came a .much greater and more momentous declaration from Christ to Zacchaeus. The Lord of glory said: “This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a ison of Abraham, For the Son of man is come to seek and bo save that which was lost,” Zacchaeus was saved. He had been “dead in trespasses and sins” Eph« 2:1). But by grace was he saved through faith; and that not of him­ self; it was the gift of God. (Eph. 2:8). And that is how Zacchaeus was changed from being a thoroughly dis­ honest man into an honest man; from corruption to righteousness. That is 'how t'he Lord Jesus Christ inspired honesty in this grafting tax collector. Not by setting him a good example, but by giving him a new life. As has been well said, what we all need is not to turn ■over a new leaf, but to have a new life. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature;, eld things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Lor. 5:17.) There is a dramatic incident at the end of the chapter, when Christ went into the temple of God, His heavenly Father, and cast out the traders, money changers, and sellers of cattle for sacrifice, men who doubtless were just as crooked in their business dealings as was Zac­ chaeus. To them He said sternly, quoting from the Old Testament: “It is written, My house is the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” God wants every human being to be His own house. He will make us the temple of the Holy'.Spirit, if we will let Him do so by receiving His Son as our Saviour and Lord. When we refuse to do this, reject­ ing His iSon, we make the house “a den of thieves.” If we could have the new, true, heart-fhonesty that Zac­ chaeus came to have, we must let Christ'in* to reign* as Lord in our lives. Fire Toll for 1936 During the first quarter of 19 36, fires claimed the lives of 37 per­ sons and caused 'injuries to. 3 8 otihefrs in 'Ontario. Casualties re­ sulted in 44 of the 4,124 fires of this period. While there were 19 less fires ini the first three months of this yeai’ than in the same time in 1935, the property loss was $2,- 577,751.00, an increase of $789,- 046.00. Weather conditions are considered largely responsible for increased losses of the past winter. Prolonged spells of cold weather and heavy snowfalls, not only re­ quired more heating in buildings, but also prevented fire departments from functioning as efficently as us­ ual when blazes occurred. In dwellings throughout the pro­ vince, 3,293 fires originated during the .first three months of 19 3 6, caus­ ing losses of $738,521.00 to prop­ erty. While the number of fires was slightly less than in the first quarter of 19 3 5, the loss was $88,- 644.00 greater. The loss from fac­ tory fires was $467,674.00 in 112 fires. Th'is represents an increase of 29 .fires and $3 0 2,5 91.00. Stores also suffered heavily as 3 42 fires causes damage of $633,015.00, an increase of 62 fires and $215,085.00 in property losses. Barn fires since January 1st, 19 3 6, decreased con­ siderably from the same period last year. Only 33 barns, valued at ($49,377.00 were destroyed, a de­ crease of 116 .fires and $55,766.00 loss. f Slice a banana into a bowl of Kellogg’s Rice Krispics. Pour on milk or cream. You’ve never tasted a cereal that combines so well with the flavor of ripe ! Rice Krispies arG^Uour- ishing; and easy wdigest. At grocers evej^whcrc in J®ose story by Kellogg 'ntario. thc^:]VIotlier PgRge- in^LondoflfR crackle in criam SO CRISP they actually crackle in milk or cream If Sickly and Run Down Build Up Your Health required for a run down condition ot k What is required for a run down condition of health is a tonic, one containing iron preferred, to build up tho shattered system and restore it to full strength. The reconst Pills, contaial iron. In those irocupe ffivo powers of Milbum’s IL & N. as they do three prepar toh of ily assimilated fo Sn that par will soon mental and bodily ,vigor. and see how they will help you back to health. THE EXETER TIMES-ADVOCATE Next, the strawberries! * * * Tried out the dandelion * * ♦ That old straw hat feels * * * How those buds are swelling! * * * * Yes, eveiy Winter turns * * * THURSDAY, MAY 14th, 1036 good! ** Plantin’ them seeds sure does stiffen up the ole back. * ♦ *• »** The wheat and the pastures and start. * »* the Those Germans and those Italians objective, ** ** ♦ ♦ meadows are toff to a good ♦ are * at least living with an * In all the world land? is there anything more honest than a bit of ♦♦*♦ ***♦ The farmer is king of beasts. men these days,Dobbin is the king of * **♦ ** ** Augustus and Magelina evenings. * ♦ * are Dadrot those pesky ralbbits! raspberry plantation. * * ♦ & For settling jangling nerves, garden on a sunshiny Spring day. « * enjoying « the stoop these nice They have runined many a fine *♦ •commend us to working in the nf ♦ * Dobbin and Dexter and the hired hours and strict Sabbath observance. John Bull is The thoughts are The Eligible Maidens smil berry bed and now at the Jerse The faith of the crocuses a and the snowdrops has been tih * * * * Ever thought of it, but wh The League of Nations seems to * * * The League of Nations g members thereof who' were not is fatal. man.are believers in .regular WHERE ARE THEY? Who says old Sol can’t do his stuff? Who said that this was to' foe a very late Spring? Then who said that the cattle would be late in getting on tho pasture because the grass was growing slowly? Then, where are the prophets who said that the Italians never would enter the Ethiopian capital the Italians being such Door soldiers and the rains being so terrible? Then where’s the man who said that the clover and timothy seeding was done for, the weather proving so backward. We’ll know more about the sort of harvest we’ll have when the threshing Is done. ******** THE FUTILITY Canadians would pay taxes gladly were they not oppressed with a sense .of the futility of their so doing. When .farmers and mechanics and average business men see money taken' out of their 'pockets that should be devoted to increasing the business of the commonwealth; devoted to large hotels that are not an economic necesisty and to luxuries for travel that are not called for, natural­ ly they become resentful. Canadians most sincerely wishing to get out of delbt, find their efforts futile because their public men are bent on robbing toiling Peter to fill the maw of grafting, non-pro­ ducing Paul. Further, the Canadian people have chosen that this land shall be a party ridden country. The choice comes high, but the price .must be paid, all ballyho and brazem humbug to the con­ trary notwithstanding. THOS. E. HAY’S FARM IN McKHiLOP, SOLD The 20 0-acre Mays’ farm in Killop, has been sold by the estate of the late Thomas E. Keys to Mr. Scott Davidson, of Brucefield. (Huron Expositor) Mfc- It is an honour to receive a bill. In­ stead of getting all riled up when the mail brings you a statement of account, you should be* genuinely pleased. For a bill is an indication that someone has faith in your hon­ esty. A bill Indicates that someone who knows you depends upon your honour to keep the word you pledg­ ed when you received the goods which he furnished. Credit is the most precious thing you have. Money can be had by various means, but credit ci GRANTON WOMAN DIES Failing in health for some time, Mrs. Robert Knowles of Granton died at the home of her son, Ernest Knowles, in .St. Marys late Tuesday night. Mrs. Knowles had been vis­ iting at the home of her son since Good Friday. Born in England 71 years ago, she came to Canada while still in her early childhood and had resided in Blanshard and Granton ever since She was a member of (the United Church. Over fifty years ago she was mar­ ried to Robert Knowles, the couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary last Fall. Besides her sorrowing husband, she is survived by four; sons, Alonzo, Ernest and merson, of London, and three dau- ters, Mrs. IFred Tomlinson, of Lon- on and Mrs. Nelson Knox and Mrs. obert Elston of Blanshard. Water level in the St. Lawrence River in Montreal Harbour was 77 inches lower during April than in March but 'lli4 inches higher than in April, 19315, according to a report is­ sued by the rydrographic service, Department (of Marine. The level was 181 inches lower than the highest April (1887) since I860, 35% inches higher than the lowest for that month, (1931), and 88% inches lower than the average level of April for the last 76 years. The level in Lake Superior was 11 inches lower than April last year and 3 % inches higher than the av­ erage level for April for the last 76 years. Lake Huron was 3 % inches' higher than April, 19’3#, and 283 inthes lower than the average level for 't month in the last 76 years. The level of Lake Erie was 10 inches higher than April last year but 18 inches lower than the aver­ age for the last 76 years. Lake ■Ontario was 16 higher than April’ 193? inches lower (than the the month in the last watched the ** * thinking some not all of then flight of Events of an other. he could not take full advantage of the ’weather, day or very short shifts were all that the? animals of Great Britain is the air. We’ve seen some * * * * * * * * * * A GREAT UTTERANCE gardening days We : that character. * ♦ * % inches and 15%’ * * * * * * ****** * * * * * * * * * * we were getting worried The tractor was king Friday and Saturday. The weather was too hot for the horses and the animals had to be content to watch the tractors go snorting along. * * * To give some people advice is just ke giving a 'bald-headed man a omb and brush. Oh, I’m SO relieved We notice that a certain gentleman, 85 “Queen Mary” a thorough inspection in less always admired smart people. * They are telling us pelin was the first to at the beach who 'where a close second. * * * * * * years of age gave the than half a day. that the lady who took the bath in the Zep- take her bath in* Lord Tweedsmuir warns Canadians in the interests of public health, something wrong with utterances of ***** that long speeches are not always thought there Soime government officials who German Zeppelin had some disturbing thoughts, sort mark the dawn of one era and the twilight of ***** About the finest speech one hears on “Dinner’s ready.” And as Italy has said to France and the United States, “Get out!” Just like that it was said, ing of a 'few wires, a clicking of a machine or wo1 * * ,* * * * * * the Legations as far as Ethiopia is concerned, Well, what next? A buzz- Dobbin and his master both chafed under the collar the latter part of last week; Dobbin because the weather was too hot and his master because A few hours a ctould stand. QUEER BUSINESS The plain men. of this country who pay taxes wonder :why their representatives take so much delight in putting hampering restric­ tions on some parties while spending enormous sums to please a few folk whose only interest is private advantage. It reminds us of the .father who put a quarter in his son’s pocket, .meanwhile tak­ ing 25 cents out of his purse, and then beating the boy feecause he was not .growing rich. * THE RIGHT TONE We listened in lately to Hou. Mr. Martin’s address; before The Empire Club of Toronto on his recent trip to the Arctic regions, What struck us was the heroic note that characterized;' everything ho said. None but the brave and the stout-hearted need venture to those awful regions. Then what is to bo said of the hardy souls who in the interest of science and law and order and religion pass their lives in those regions Men who do so greatly venture, greatly dare and greatly serve, Jim missed the last train home funny at that meeting how time had slipped by unnoticed. And wouldn’t she be anxious. Unhappily he trudged along, killing time. Then . . . the inspiration; Long Distance! A simple call, quick, inexpensive, and everything was smoothed out, both of them relieved. There’s one thing they couldn’t bear to be without; their telephone. It’s surprising how often you [can make use of Long' Distance! On both “Anyone" and “Person to-Person" calls9 Low Night Rates apply every evening after 79 ALL DAY SUNDAY. Geo, W. Lawson a