Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-06-09

nized. Jesus is always near TO his dlscl-
ples in their troubles.
No other week so memorable has the
world ever seen as that which included
the events OF the last and present les.
sons. Chief among these events were
the crucifixion and resurrection OF our
Saviour. These indeed were the cen
trail facts of the worlds history. They
constitute the one sure foundation OF
human gladness and hope. From them
shines out the great light which cheers
all our lives.
Of our Saviour's appearances after his
resurrection, the Gospels give no con
tinuous narrative. Nevertheless 1t Is
clear that these were many. They were
to different persons, on various occa-
sions, under widely dissimilar circum.
stances. And they were most fully at
tested The record of them, though not
continuous, is abundantly sufficient.
With respect to these appearances it
is to be observed that, in one particu.
lar. they we're alike. Though he never
showed himself apart from bodily
form, he spoke and acted more as
spirit than ever before. There was
something new in his manner of com.
ing and going. lie suddenly revealed
himself, and as suddenly vanished.
Such changes had taken place in his
body that those who had known him
best did not recognise him at once.
Had he not already entered upon q new
mode of existence?
His first appearance was to that Mary
Of Magdala to whom much had been
forgiven, and who for that reason loved
much. Next he showed himself to
those other wohen who, with Mary,
were not only latest at the cross, but
also first at the sepulchre. Then he was
seen of Peter, and after that of the two
disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Why were these two disciples thus
specially favored So far as appears, it
was simply because Jesus knew them as
real disciples in great trouble. They
had up TO this time trusted that it had
been he which should have redeemed
Israel. Now they were disappointed.
distressed, ready to despair. Jesus had
been nailed to the cross. There were
strange rumors afloat, as that his tomb
had been found empty, and that angel
NOltto uhu dlllllACA NhAN hu a. eAAFts
But none of those who spread the ru.
mors had seen him. How could the
two, as they walked and talked along
the weary road, be otherwise than de-
jected Jesus saw this, and saw how
ready they were to surrender all faith
and hope. And it was like him to
come to them for their comfort and re-
assurance.
One of the note worthy things Of this
narrative is the way he drew from them
the confession of their sorrow and
doubts. He led them on to tell him
all. 1t was his way Of preparing them
for the help he would minister. God is
pleased that his people should rehearse
in his ear all their difficulties, doubts,
sorrows and fears.
Then We should not overlook the
honor Jesus put upon the Old Testa-
ment Scriptures. He began at Moses
and ell the prophets. There he found
very much concerning himself, predic.
tions both Of his sufierings and his en-.
trance to glory. The books of Moses
are an important help to a right under.
standing of the meaning Of the death
upon the cross. The modern dispar.
agement of the Old Testament has no
: warrant in the example of Christ.
There is something very instructive
in his reproof of the unbelief OF these
disciples. He did not excuse it. 30
dull of understanding and sluggish OF
heart! ~ This was his exclamation
Faith is a privilege. II is also q duty.
We ought to believe. Not that we are
called to blind faith by no means is
this true; for the proof of the truths OF
our religion are abundant. Neverthe-
less, faith is a duty, something for which
we are TO pray, and which we should
studiously exercise.
1t is specially interesting to bear in
mind that the Saviour's visit to these
disciples was as they walked and talked
together concerning himself. Do we
make enough of religious conversation
either at home, or in our visits and
walks with friendsi Do we sufficiently
prize the freedom Of communion with
fellow.disciples enjoyed in the prayer.
meeting? Those are good questions TO
ask and good points to press. II is in
connection with social worship and re.
ligious conversation that Jesus loves to
Ntblb ub. lutu ~ - tHab ub TeneWB
our courage, faith, hope and love, and
makes our hearts burn with the new
thought he wakes within us.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS.
|. Christs love Is for us as individuals
He knows and cares for each one of his
people. lie knows them by name. He
regards their personal state. He knev
ali his disciples, and was not forgetfu
Of the two who walked alone toware
Emmaus.
2. Often he il present with his disoi
ples when they are not conscious of hi
presence. Is 1t not his Spirit which
moves them 10 pour thought and meet
into the divine ear7
3. Especially Is he near 10 US In on
times Of trouble. He loves to mak'
dark days bright. "His strength Is II
the clouds"
4. The death and rising again Of Chris
are the central truths of the Old Tests
ment as well Is the New. IN all Ia
uo~;uturaa thare are things concerninl