The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-17
sunday-school Lesson for March "a.

Sat-Prayer for sight ... Pisa. cxix. 1924
sun--Opened eyes and new heart John tx, 24-3S
There is only short interval between the
last and present lessons. Our Lord is still
on his way to Jerusalem. where in a few
weeks he is Ito give his life as ransom for
many" The southwark journey seems to
have been through the Perean district east
of the Jordan until the arrival at the ford
opposite Jericho. where the river is crossed
and temporary sojourn made in that city.
Jesus IS accompanied by his disciples, to
whom, while on the way, he has revealed
the approaching decease which he must ac-
compllsh. Large crowds also are on their
way to Jerusalem to attend the Passover
1T Is while leaving Jericho to 90 to Jerusa-
lem that the healing of Bartimeus occurs.
WHAT THE LESSON TEACHES.
New York Independent
Undoubtedly there will be great deal of
discussion as to exactly where Christ cured
this well-known case, and how many pa
tients there were. Such inquiry is stimu-
lating when richness of colOring and detail
are sought for; but it can scarcely help be-
ing useless in this lesson. Here nothing is
gained by splitting 1nterpretative hairs
The three evangelists saw in Jericho a
mighty miracle performed. They saw the
reverence. of the people, the Joy of the
cured, and they looked into the dear eyes of
THIS suggestive lesson.
Here is fine illustration of the persist
ence of type. This blind man was
an indefatigable beggar and prob
fey had great nuisance dsn that in the be to%n
straw of hope was this popular rabbi.
Above the din of crowds, regardless of in
dignant rebuke, he made his pathetic ap-
peal. This Is not the first time that un-
daunted persistence gained the day with
Christ. The point is that he never ceased
calling Christ until his faith was rewarded
Too often we expect direct answers to our
prayers-that Is, a visible sign from God, or
some peculiar divine communication. Very
few are favored that way. Jesus speaks to
another and says: Call we Him." Our
answer, our help, may come from the most
unlooked-for agent. but Christ is the source
After we pay we must be on the alert for
answers from any part of the compass.
When you see that somebody is on the
point of changing his life, of turning to the
Master, the best way is To cheer him up
heartily and encourage him. 1t used to be
q popular method TO scare young converts
half out of their wits by bringing up the
enormity of their objectionable sins. If a
man becomes a spiritual Christian, he will
soon enough detect, before any one can tell
him. the contrast between what he is and
what he ought e. be. Let him find it out.
Cheer him up with what he can do. not
discourage him with what he hasn't done.
Bartimeus was in deadly earnest. He
threw aside that which might hinder him
from coming quickly. Perhaps, TOO, the
garment was filthy and unit for holy gaze.
There is scant doubt that we are enveloped
In many layers of unwholesome habits and
sins that hinder suitable approach. He
calleth thee. Cast OFT those garments and
arise! He sprang up. There is no tagging
or holding back. Who would not leap with
haste when his dearest callsf Shall we do
less when He who is altogether lovely bids
us approach
We have an example of direct. terse
prayer. He knows what he wants. and
boldly asks. There is no circumlocution,
soul is conferred on what he most desires on
earth. That is the way to pray. He showed
his faith by calling. coming End asking
These are excellent stages % spiritual
growth. Love need never exact the pres
ence of the beloved. The hardship is TO
keep away. When Christ's hands have