The National tribune., 1896-04-16

advantages thereof; the devout often suTcr
severely, continuously. But verse ID has
important statement" God kBoweth your
hearts" Rich, bad men dress royalty and fare
sunptuously. In our lesson the wealthy
was freed also from physical ailments. He had
many friends. But Lgzatus IVES poor and sick,
otcnsiyely sick. and hungry. In those days
there was systematic method of hel ping the
needy, as hospitals, lagarettos, etc. Effort was
made to stir up pity by exhibiting distress. 1t
would have been less trouble to have gone TO
tho rich mans house and gotten provisions for
LazlTus than ii was to carry him; but " was
thought Dives might furnish him food either
out OF pity or disgust, or wish to get rid of his
presence. But at length the bcggar died. 1t
was well he passed away first, and thus escaped
his misery. When the dogs ceased TO lick his
sores angels went and bore his soul to paradise.
Though tho fact is not mentioned, tho body
was of course buried. Dives lived for u
time. God gave him chance TO repent Or.
seemingly in mercy God let him enjoy his
great blessings for a time, seeing he was to be SO
miserable alter death. And yet, the more
happy he here. the more unprepareu he
would become for distress beyond the grave.
II is said of .he rich man that he (hs body
was buried. This fact is probably mentioned
because the burial was grand affair.
Secondly, we consider the parable as il re-
latss to Dives and Lazarus alter death. OBJ
serve the following: i. Dives was conscious.
9 lie was in misery. s. II was aware of the
happy state OF Lazarus. 4. He prayed to Abra-
ham. 5. Abraham is represented as answering,
but denying the requests. The thought may
DO, however, that Dives received no response
IIo knew what Abraham would probably say
il ho spoke. He may have thought his prayer
could reach Abraham, but not receive answer
because Of the gulf between. Dives seems to
intimate that he had not had fair chance,
aud he wants his brothers to have better Oppor-
tunities for salvation. Some think the idea Of
Dives was to cast censure on God for not giving
him quite clear enough and positive enough
information rs TO the future life, and thus to
apologize for his own want OF preparation.
But one had gone from the dead to Dives, to
wit, Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha. He
knew of the wonlrous deeds of our Savior. He
did not repent, however. We here suppose the
deaths of Dives and Lazarus were in Chrisps
day. But, if not, still people living in Chrst's
time failed 20 be CONVINCED by the very revela-
the word of God. The Bible is itself sufficient
evidence. Search tho Scriptures" said
Christ
The great lesson is the value of the truth,
the need Of 81 BILE knowledge. We let the Rev.
John Wesley speak:
lam Great ure of n day, passing through life as
an urrow through the air. am spirit, coming
fom God and returning to God; just towering
The great gulf; few moments hence am no
more seen; drop into an Interchangeable eternity.
j want to- know thing-the way 10 heaven:
how to land safe on that happy shore. God him
self has condescended 10 teach the way. lie hath
written it down la s book. o, give me that book!
At any price give me the book Of God have III
here j. knowledge enough for u;e. Let be
man of one book. Here, then. am. far from the
busy way, of men. 4 sit down alone: only God is
here. In His presence open read His book; FOR
ihs end-to fad the way to heaven