The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-03-05

which the Pharisees relied, to the Scrip
lures. Have ye not read?" He inquired
(verse -, what gentle yet stinging re-
buke! And then He quotes from the
book what may be considered two prece-
dents, as warrants for tho acts OF the
apostles. David, under stress of hunger
(Sam. xxi, 81, had eaten the shew bread
which was wholly devoted to the priests
(Ex. xxx, 32). And the priests were au-
thorized by law to do on the Sabbath
(verse 81 what belongs really to other
days, and were blameless, because they
were engaged in Gods service Numb.
xxvili, 81. These two citations from the
word of God, showed that the Ideas of the
Pharisees were false on the subject of
sanctity. VIII you blame these fishermen
disciples for taking n little food when
they are hungry, with such Illustrations
of larger liberty practiced by the great
king, and by the very ministers of the
Jewish church? This was q question for
the critics to answer
AUTHORITATIVE first reply was
supported by a second, if possible more
forceful oversees to 81. Jesus was not
willing to leave the subject under the
limitations of the old covenant. as He
would have done had He paused with the
fifth verse lie Immediately passes over
to the New Covenant and asserts His su-
Himself to be greater than the temple,
which the Jews regarded with peculiar
reverence (Matt. xvii, 400. He affirmed
that the Pharisees were ignorant of the
great principles of mercy, which He
came to publish, and which were of in
fnitely greater moment than any sacri-
flee or ordinance, implying. that, il nec-
essary, the old custom might yield to give
place to the larger and better aspects of
spirituality, intimatiug also a reproof for
the Journalism and legalism of that day
which had obscured and dwarfed its
pity QHosea vi, %. These statements
prepared for a reference to Himself as
Lord of the Sabbath. He had come to
| introduce its true observance. to correct
the false notions and restore it to it's
rightful place. His authority over the
day was complete. lie would guard it and
regulate it's observance, and no one need
offer any suggestions in its behalf If lie
were pleased so to do He might set aside
| the seventh day and appoint another.
| ENMITY.-Th Pharisees were snenced
| because there was nothing further for
them to say. but their opposition was in
creased. They saw plainly that the Mas
ter was superior to them-they hated Him
for that reason, and determined to find
some mode of accusing Him to the au-
thorities. The occasion was soon present
cu' nc "hole COiilpdHy HoNeu oi' eu-
tered Capernaum, and went into the syn
agogue (verse 81. There was found a man
with a wthered hand-the afflicted of
those days were accustomed to visit
| places of worship that they might appeal
| for aid (Acts iii, p. Here is a Pharisaic
| opportunity. Drawing near, the question
! is gently put. "Is 1t lawful to heal on the
Sabbath day." duke xiii, 40. That APP
peared like confessed ignorance in the
| presence of acknowledged wisdom. 1t
was intended to be a snare. Knowing the
| goodness of the Saviour's heart and re-
membering His many cures they expect
| ed to provoke Him into an act that would
! warrant a legal process against Him
| (verse 1D. Relying upon the gloss of the
| Rabbis who held that the fourth COM
mandment (Ex. Xxx, 81 forbade even acts
of mercy, they expected an easy convic-
| tion.