Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1896-02-13
Lesson Tor Feb. no.

ing, That great prophet ~ risen up
among us.-Lukc 7-16.
This lesson IN found in Luke Z: PIG, and
has for its subject "The Great Helper"
Luke q, from which the last lesson was
taken, was a chapter of great sayings;
this Is chapter of great deeds. 1t be-
gins with the words, 'Now when he had
ended all his sayings" The sayings
were ended, but not the doings. He was
going right on, rs che entered into Caper-
naum," to do what he had been saying.
As the sermon done?' some one asked,
coming up at the close. 1.-The sermon il
preached" was the reply. II am going
out 20 help do some Of 1t now" Christ's
life was constantly practicing what his
lips were preaching. In the series of
wonderful works and kindly ministries
recorded here we have glimpse of this
corroboration Of the life. May God ell
able all those who know and love the
sayings of Jesus to prove the same and
make it effective by life full of good
works, that men may see your good
works and glorify your father which is in
heaven"
Lesson Hints.
Tho scene il Capernaum. This is the
When Jesus "came down to Capernaum, Il
city of Galilee, and taught them on the
Sabbath days" That teaching is here
seen to have had its fruits.
"A certain centurion" One among many
but the only one save that one ut the
cross that is remembered from those days
of the Christ. Crhree others in the Acts.)
And the noteworthy thing is this that
what distinguishes him and makes his
name memorable is not his official honors
but that he made humble resort to Jesus
for help. Prayer gave him not only his
servants life, but new lease of life for
himself and place in the memory of fu-
ture ages. 1t has often been SO.
The centurion thought much of his SER
want; 'he was dear unto him." His ac-
tons reveal it. 1t does not look like a
mere mercenary solicitude. as for one val
liable or much needed, though the word
(entimos) might at first hint it. His anx-
iety seems based upon true regard and
affection for his servant, and we have
here n suggestion az to the proper rela-
tons of Kindness and sympathy between
master and servant, employer and en-
ploye.
The centurion also appears in the es-
timation Of the Jews, to have been an
honorable man. worthy of consideration
for his bencfactions to Israel. But it is
not this that makes Chris: to marvel, nor
is it this that prompts him to the working
of the miracle. Not until faith is express
cd does the divine commentator and the
divine power go forth. 1t is faith not
works that wins approval of heaven. Yet
the good works hint the heart of faith that
lies behind and beneath.
Lord. trouble not thyself. for am not
worthy that thou shouldst enter under my
roof IL is distinctly the word of a
Roman official. accustomed to gradations
of Office and the determinations of rank
He esteems Christ as above him i'm posi-
ton and us having power in the kingdom
of grace to speak with the prerogative Of
his higher Office, to speak and know that
his word will be performed. 1t is faith but
expressed in the language of Rome and
of the civil or military arena. In this lies
its value to us. 1t is a testimony, as it
were. from Caesars court, to the reason
ableness of religion.
Il also am a man set under authority"
he said, and herein he recognizes Christ
as the anointed of God precisely what the
Jews We're not doing. Doing Caesars
will, he could speak with authority from
the coign of vantage of his office. But
it is only rs he remains in subsection to
the higher powers that he can do it, and
his words hint the Difference as well as
the dignity of Office. 1t was this text that
DIR. Webb Peploe of England was enforc-
ing so strongly last summer at Mortified
to the Christians gathered there. Be
under authority in order to have author
ity.
weep not" Christ said to the woman,
and we think Of him as speaking it with
tears in his own voice. That was real
compassion: carth's tears must have
touched him to the quick, and the miracle
be wrought him, rs at Lazarus grave.
must have been in pure pity for human
woe. We'll, the time is coming when
Christ shall have his way with these
griefs and SORROWS of men, and they shall
be put away.
illustrations.
Healing the sick, raising the dead; here
is a Saviour we can trust. Trust in life,
trust in death. Yea, though / walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
l will fear no evil; for thou art with me.
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Take those sweet lines OF Eugene Field
THE Divine Lullaby"
II hear thy voice, dear Lord,
/ hear it by the stormy sea,
When winter nights are black and wild,
And when, alright L call to thee;
1t Gains my fears and whispers me,
"Sleep well, my child"
/ hear thy voice, dear Lord,
In singing winds and falling snow,
The curfew chimes, the midnight bell,
"Sleep well. my child" it murmurs low;
1.-THE guardian angels come and GO
o child, sleep well!'