The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-01-14

Close TO Jerusalem-almost one OF It's
suburbs-was the little town OF Bethany,
where Jesus rested before entering into
the Holy City. But though so near 70
Jerusalem Bethany was yet a quiet spot,
owing to it's required position on the
eastern side Of Mt. Oivet. In this noun
tain village. from which could be seen,
on one side the valley OF the Jordan ter
minating in the Dead sea, and on the
other the mountains OF Moab. about
twenty-five miles distant, orr Lord spent
some rcstful and happy horrs with the
little family-Martha, and Mary and their
brother Lazarus.
Tradition tells US that Martha was the
wife or widow Of "Simon the leper." and
that Lazarus was the gentle and holy
rabbi Of that name that Is spoken of In
the Talmud. However this may be, IL Is
evident that the little family held a good
social position I'm the town. and were far
above want. How II was that our Lord
came TO be a guest in this family-whether
they had been among those who listened
TO His teachings In Jerusalem, or whether
Martha had offered Him her hospitality
through some Of the Seventy who had
been sent forth 20 announce His coming,
we are not told but that He was a well
come as well as an honored Guest we cam
not doubt.
How best 10 do Him honor seems 10
have been the thought Of both sisters
when. on the eve Of the Feast OF the
Dedication, the Master came to them for
a passing visit and in one or two OF st.
Iuke's graphic touches the difference in
their characters is clearly depicted. Mar
tha-the eager, practical, warm-hearted
hostess. could not do enough for the en-
tertalnmeut of such a Guest, and hustled
about with excited energy, absorbed IN
preparations for HIS material comfort.
Mary, too. was anxious 90 show their gra-
cious Friend all honor, but her homage
was shown in a different way. Knowing
that Martha was well able and well
pleased TO do all that was required for
the comfort OF their great Visitor. and
with q heart stirred to new life -realiz-
ing that never before had any one spoken
such blessed words. Mary "sat at the
Lords feet, and heard His word"
AS the time passed and still she sat
there seemingly idle little feeling OF
jealousy and annoyance which was un-
worthy of her really noble nature stirred
Marthas heart. Instead OF speaking the
word which would have brought Mary 10
her assistance at once Martha, with what
seems almost like irreverence. hurried
into the presence Of Jesus. 10 lodge COM
plant against Mary. Lord" she said.
"dost Thou not care that my sister has
left me to do all the work alone? II Thou
bid her do so she win help me-"
But the Lords clear vision saw all the
love and faith that underlay the sharp.
bustling manner. and His reproof was so
gentle, I'm tone so tender that, while con-
veyiug q lesson to Martha, it did not hu-
initiate or grieve the heart which was
so full Of affection for Him. Martha,
Martha" said the Master. thou are care
fui and troubled about many things. But
one thing is needful; and Mary hath chos-
en- that good part which shall not be TAX
en- from her"
An evil against which oil Christians have
10 guard Is lest they become 80 engross-
ed IN work for Christ that they lose sight
Of the dear Lord Himself. and so the
inner life OF the soul be neglected.