The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-08-06
2 Kings III: OILS.

jah oversees 16 to 1S). But they were
permitted to see nothing, and out of
respect refrained from following and
waited for the return.
MIRACLE.-Elijah and Elisha pass
cd on eastward and at last stood on
the bank of the Jordan. on the other
side the parting would take place.
The water was too deep for fording.
So the old prophet took his mantle,
which had been before used as an in
strument in Divine service. rolled it to-
gether and smote the surface of the
stream. Immediately by some invisi-
BILE force the waters which were above
were separated from those which were
below, leaving n dry passageway, along
which the two might journey to the
opposite bank Twice before had sim
liar deeds been wrought, by Moses
when he reached out his rod over the
Red Sea (Ex., Xiv:l6) and by Joshua
when the feet of the priests were
dipped in the Jordan. 1t was not
Moses. or Joshua. or Elijah, it was not
the rod, or the feet of the priests, or
the mantle, but the Almighty who
opened the way through the waters.
And it was fortunate that Elisha was
present to behold the wonderful deed,
to report it to his associates. and to
strengthen his reliance upon God.
REQC EST After crossing the Jor-
dan Elijah manifested greater inter
est in his companion who had clung
to him and refused to be separated.
Knowing that in a little while their
! earthly relation would be terminated,
and that afterward new and grave re-
| sponsihilities must be met, the proph-
ct asked Elisha what he should do for
| him (verse %. The answer was highly
| appropriate and significant. ~ double
| portion of Elijah's spirit was all that
| was desired. In this there was mani
| fest a disposition to be like his Master,
! to reproduce Him and take His place
| and carry forward His unfinished
work. And this was Joined with be-
| coming humility. 1t was felt that
| greater help and strength was needed
| than his predecessor possessed. There
| was also a recognition of the secret
of success among the prophets (Zech.,
| iV:1j), the same as with the apostles
| duke, xxiv:4O. Upon very simple
| condition--Close following to the end
the desired gift was promised, al
though confessedly great (verse 10).
| TRANSLATION.-A the request
and the promise the two walked on,
side by side. talking together. They
were now in Elijah's native land U
| Kings, Xvii:D. Suddenly the conver-
sation was interrupted by a remark
| able phenomena (verse p. Something
appeared in luminous form like a
chariot drawn by horses. 1t has been
thought by some that this was an op-
tical effect produced upon Elisha only.
| 1t is probable that IN escort of angels
| was provided psalm, lxvi;i:1O, sent
to conduct the servant of God in tri-
umph psalm, yviii:l0). Elijah was
taken up by a, whirlwind into heaven,
leaving Elisha behind, who cried out
| with astonishment and sorrow, as he
behald the receding form of the one
| hel owed. The manner of departure
| was according to promise (verse d.
1t appears that even Obadiah had ex-
| pected such an event Il Kings, xviii
ID, an indication that in the popular
thought Elijah was highly reVerenced
J as being under the peculiar care OF