Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-03-21
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
LESSON FOR MAR. TWENTY -FOUI
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. X, 1852.


tice divergences in the story of this
blind man. Matthew says he healed
t5cO blind men going out of Jericho.
Luke says he healed one while coming
nigh to Jericho; while Mark takes the
middle ground that one was healed on
going ont of the city. Explanations of
this lack of harmony cannot clear the
matter up. The historic silence is no
argument against the tale. The most
reasonable explanation, if any is made,
is that the blind man was healed be-
tween the old and new city, and so it
can honestly be described as occurring
while leaving Jericho and entering it.
Bartimeus acted as spokesman. But
I the real point of the lesson is not one of
higher criticism; it lies in the study of
the miracle. le.-''JeFjchO," "The Per-
fumed," was in the richest part of the
country. Its balsam plantations sent
odors that penetrated many miles. Jo-
sephus calls it a Little Paradise" 1t
was the "City of Palms" Through this
luXuriant city, the key of Judea from
the East, the last station for pilgrims
from Galilee to Jerusalem, Christ now
passed on his way to Jerusalem, after
spending a night with Zacheus, the un-
just tax gatherer. .-'' 'BGrtjmeuS'
means son. He was we'll known char
acteT hOpeleSsly blind. - When he
/ heard. Jesus was no unknown charac-
ter here. Bethany was only few miles
/ away, where Lazarus was raised. That
miracle created a tremendous stir. The
fact that crowds upon crowds lined the
/ streets as Christ entered Jericho, proves
that his name was now national and that
very many saw in him the Messiah
"Rebu6ed him that he should hold his
peane. "A great man like Christ who
had now following and reputation
equal to that of the revered Hillel was
not to be interpreted in his instruction
or meditation. Christ who knew the
/ heart of man must often have refused
healing on the knowledge of the suffer
| ers' unfitness. Why not pass this one
by? His disciples and followers would
protect him from incessant annoyance.
/ Aput NiIC -hootCi h1iOhO W oIO anu
minister.-"CaSt array his garment"
His outer mantle.
/ Instruction. Undoubtedly there will
be great deal of discussion as to exactly
where Christ cured this well-known case
and how many patients there we're
Such inquiry is stimulating when rich
ness of cOlOring and detail are sought
for; but it can scarcely help being use
less in this lesson. Here nothing is
gained by splitting interpretative 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 Christ. Let that be our spirit
in studying this suggestive lesson.
Here is a fine illustration of the per-
sistence of type. This blind man was
an indefatigable beggar and probably a
great nuisance in the town. He had an
idea that his last straw of hope was this
popular rabbi. Above the din of crowds,
regardless of indignant rebuke, he made
his pathetic appeal. This is not the first
time that undaunted 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, visible sign
from God or some peculiar divine COM
munication. 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 pray 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 life, of turning to
the Master, the best way is to cheer him
up heartily and encourage him. 1t used
to be popular method to scare young
converts half ont of their wits by bring
ing up the enormity of their unpardon-
able sins. If man becomes a spiritu-
al Christian, he will soon enough detect,
before any one can tell him, the con-
trast between what he is and what he
ought to 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 unfit for
holy gaze. There is seant doubt that
we are enveloped in many LAYERS of un-
wholesome habits and sins that hinder
suitable approach. He called thee. Cast
off those garments and arise!
He sprang up. There is no tagging
hpllinpr hoat- Whn NuOnfA
with haste when his dearest calls? 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,
no wandering from the point. His whole
soul is centered on what he most desires
on earth That is the way to pray
He showed his faith by calling. COM
ing and asking. These are excellent
stages of spiritual growth.
Love need never exact the presence
of the beloved. The hardship is to keep
away. When ChriSt'S hands have touch
ed YOU, and his voice spoken to you,
how can you help but follow?
\ CORRESPONDENT of the Toledo
Commercial suggests John W. Herron,of
as 4 Republican candidate
for Governor; and the Commercial re-
marks:
We know him very well. and we feel,
from his standing at home, that he would
carry Hamilton county against anybody
the Democrats might nominate. He is
no mean man. He is altogether too big
for that. Neither is he a sehemer. He
is also too big for that. Nor would he
be candidate for United States Sena-
tor while running for Governor. He is